Delores I Jessen

Delores Ilean Jessen was born on August 6, 1938, in Kenwood, Iowa, the daughter of Eugene and Hattie (Weed) King. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Boyer, Iowa. During high school, she was a cheerleader and in 1956, Dee graduated from the Odebolt High School.

On January 19, 1957, Delores was united in marriage to John Jessen at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. To this union, they were blessed with five daughters: Cindy, Lindy, Tammy, Cathy, and Jacklyn. They made their home on the farm south of Denison for nearly 30 years before retiring and moving to town. In 2014, the couple moved to Realife Independent Living and in 2021, they moved to Silveridge Assisted Living due to Dee’s declining health where they have resided since.

Throughout her life, Dee held various jobs, including Lawrence's Creamery, Union Gas, Family Eye Care, Yours Treasure Chest, and serving as a bookkeeper for the family farm and Jessen Construction until her well-deserved retirement. In addition to her professional pursuits, Dee was an active member of the Red Hat Society and TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for many years. Deeply rooted in faith, she was also a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison.

She enjoyed the art of ceramics, playing Bingo, visiting the Casino where she was known for her good luck, and had an unwavering passion for the legendary Elvis Presley. Dee had a fondness for red cardinals, hummingbirds and butterflies. Her infectious spirit and signature phrase, "Bless Your Heart," will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Her presence was a comforting embrace, and her homemade goods were eagerly anticipated by her daughters as they returned home from school. Dee and the girls had a knack for holiday baking, filling her home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats during the festive season. They treasured the tradition of mother-daughter Christmas shopping trips, creating beautiful memories that will be forever cherished.

She will be fondly remembered for her delicious Swedish milk pancakes and caramel corn, which brought smiles to the faces of family and friends alike. Dee had a special knack for creating lasting memories, often hosting sleepovers with her grandchildren, allowing them to stay up past their bedtime and revel in the joy and laughter that filled her home.

Family was the cornerstone of Dee's life. Dee’s devotion to her loved ones knew no bounds; she cherished every moment shared with them and nurtured an unbreakable bond that will be forever treasured. She took great pride in her classy sense of style, never leaving the house without perfectly picked hair and a touch of lipstick. Known for her exquisite collection of bracelets and watches, Dee had an eye for the finer things in life. Her warm hospitality was evident to all who entered her home, always offering refreshments and ensuring no one left hungry.

On Monday, October 16, 2023, Dee passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, attaining the age of 85 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Hattie King; brothers: Roy, Merlin, Vernon, and Robert King; and sisters: Evelyn Podey, Mildred King, and Ethel Marie King. While their absence is deeply felt, their memories endure as a testament to the bond they shared.

Dee leaves behind a legacy of love that will never fade. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Jessen of Denison; daughters: Cindy and her husband Steve Bohm of Arion; Lindy and her husband Kevin Aschinger of Westside; Tammy and her husband Kevin Schurke of Dow City; Cathy and her husband Barry Andersen of Arcadia; Jackie and her husband Dan Muff of Dow City; 16 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sister, Pearl and her husband Ed Schau of Denison; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 with the Funeral Service following directly after at 11:00 a.m. at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment will follow in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.