Diane M. Jessen

Diane Marie Jessen was born May 24, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Marshall James “Jim” and Beverly Williams. She passed away Monday, November 20, 2017, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of sixty-eight.
Diane grew up on a farm in the Council Bluffs, Iowa, area. She received her education and graduated from Lewis Central High School in 1967. She was employed at various car dealerships in the Council Bluffs-Omaha area as well as in California performing warranty work. While employed at Packers Engineering in Omaha, Nebraska, Diane was introduced to her future husband Jim through his sister, Phyllis. Diane and Jim Jessen were united in marriage November 5, 1983, at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Council Bluffs. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Charter Oak, Iowa. Diane then began her employment as a bank clerk at United Bank of Iowa, retiring from that position May 24, 2014.

She was a very giving and caring person. Her favorite activities included: roses and flower gardening, cooking and baking, especially deviled eggs, pies and cookies. She also donated her famous chocolate chip cookies at many fund raisers. Growing up on the farm, she loved animals especially dogs. Diane was attracted to fast cars, attending races locally, and she was particularly fond of her yellow Mustang and Lincoln. In her younger years, Diane took great pleasure in trap shooting, hunting, California beaches, and swimming. More recently she and Jim have enjoyed taking Corvette rides to Okoboji, boat rides on the Branson Bell, and listening to Daniel O’Donnell. Diane and Jim loved traveling to Branson and recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary there.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David; and stepson, Todd. Survivors include: her husband, Jim; one stepdaughter, Jill and her husband, Kerry; one stepson, Travis; two step-grandchildren, Kole and Shae; one sister, Nancy and her husband, Robert; a niece, Jennifer; a nephew, Thomas; other relatives and friends.