Herman Jepsen

Herman Wilbert Jepsen Jr. was born January 22, 1923, the son of Herman and Dora Beeck Jepsen. He died Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at his home in Ricketts, Iowa, at the age of eighty-seven.
Herman was born in Hanover Township near Schleswig, Iowa. He was baptized in Christ on May 3, 1923, and confirmed on April 10, 1938, at the Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig. He attended country school in Hanover Township through 8th grade and then worked as a hired man for farmers in the area. While in his teens, he also worked in the wheat fields of Wolverton, Breckenridge and Morris, Minnesota.
On September 3, 1944, he was united in marriage to Ellen Meseck. The couple made their home in Soldier Township and to this union four children were born. Beginning in the late 1940s, he began farming on his own and continued until 1973. During the drought of 56-58, with the ability to witch water, he dug 38 wells by hand, lost count of how many wells he cleaned, and fixed windmills. Early in 1963 he bought a farmhouse and was one of the first to do contour farming. In the early 70s he worked for Feeders Supply in Schleswig and for various farmers, as well. He moved to Ricketts in 1973 and lived there for 37 years. He was a caretaker for the town for about 25 years, a job he retired from at the age of 80.
He was reliable, responsible, and a good mentor for his children. Making friends came easily for him. He had a heart for and cared for the stray cats and dogs in Ricketts. His outdoor activities included gardening, taking care of his yard and fruit trees, hunting and fishing, his favorite being 50 years of fishing at the Red River in Minnesota. He also enjoyed playing cards, including Mouser, Pinochle and Poker; listening to country music; playing horseshoes; and bowling. He participated in numerous bowling tournaments, the 1st Annual Smith Bowling Festival, and also received a Team Championship award in 1958. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ricketts.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Fred; and one sister, Irene. Survivors include four sons: Dennis and his wife, Julieanna; Teddy and his wife, Mary; Michael and his wife, Annie; and Steven and his wife, Roberta; six grandchildren: Scott; Rebecca and her husband, Dan; Christy and Enrique; Joel and his wife, Stephanie; Zachary and Jennifer; two stepgrandsons: Max and Steven; seven great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; three brothers: Victor; Vernon and his wife, Diane; and Edwin and his wife, Marilynn; many relatives and friends.