Melvin Henry Jepsen

Melvin H. Jepsen was born on February 22, 1936, the son of Raymond and Elizabeth (Schneller) Jepsen in Denison. He attended school in Denison and graduated from Denison High School. Following his education, Melvin proudly served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force, dedicating a total of twenty years to military service.

On September 2, 2000, Melvin was united in marriage with Judith F. Pietz. The couple made their home at Club Lake near Terrell, Texas, for ten years before returning to Iowa. Throughout his working years, Melvin spent many years driving truck across the United States.

Melvin was a man of deep faith who lived a simple life guided by strong values. To him, things were either right or wrong, and he believed in treating others with honesty and respect. He often said Judy was his true partner and the love of his life. Melvin treasured time with his family and especially enjoyed being “Pop” and “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melvin passed away peacefully, free of pain and on his own terms, on Thursday, May 6, 2026, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital at the age of 90 years, 2 months, and 14 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy; his son, Michael Jepsen; and three grandchildren, Dustin, Kristen, and Joey Charbonneau.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Monica Charbonneau and husband David of Texas; grandchildren Alicia Charbonneau and Brandon Charbonneau; great-grandchildren Jayden, Kacy, Leland, and Kyla; sister Gloria; brother Lonnie; along with many other relatives and friends.

Melvin’s family is forever grateful to the doctors and nurses at Crawford County Memorial Hospital, the staff of Crawford County Hospice, and Huebner Funeral Home for their compassionate care, kindness, and respect shown to Melvin and his family.

Melvin’s wishes were to be cremated and services will be held at a later date.

Grief is not just an emotion, it is an unraveling. A space where something once lived but is now gone. It carves through you, leaving a hollow ache where love once resided. In the beginning, it feels unbearable, like a wound that will never close. But over time, the raw edges begin to mend, the pain softens, but the imprint remains — a quiet reminder of what once was.

The truth is, you never really move on. The love you have doesn't disappear, it transforms. It lingers in the echoes of laughter, in the warmth of old memories, the silent moments where you still reach for what is no longer there — and that's okay.

Grief is not a burden to be hidden, a weakness to be ashamed of. It is the deepest proof that love existed, that something beautiful touched your life. So let yourself feel it, let yourself mourn, let yourself remember.

There is no timeline, no right way to grieve. Some moments will bring unexpected waves of sadness, while others will fill you with gratitude for the love you were lucky enough to experience.

Honor your grief, for it is sacred. It is a testament to the depth of your heart. In time, you will find healing — not because you have forgotten, but because you have learned how to carry love and loss together.

— Spoken by Jim Carrey