Gary Allen Jessen, Sr.

Gary Allen Jessen, Sr., the son of Elmer and Effie (Cue) Jessen, was born October 6, 1943, in Exira, Iowa and died May 28, 2014, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 70 years, 7 months, and 22 days. Gary was baptized at his parents’ home in Exira on February 13, 1944, and confirmed at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira on March 22, 1959. He attended Exira Community Schools and the Exira High School. He then was employed at several different jobs. On January 17, 1967, he was united in marriage to Vickie Johnson at the Justice of the Peace in Omaha, Nebraska. Three sons Jeffrey, Gary Allen, Jr., and Steven were born to this union. Gary managed gas stations in the Omaha area for many years and later he was a delivery driver for Old Home Bread. He then managed convenience stores until he retired. During retirement he worked for the Omaha World Herald delivering papers. Gary enjoyed fowl hunting. He collected coins and baseball cards. Gary was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan and enjoyed watching football and basketball on T.V. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his infant son Steven Jessen; his parents; his brother Richard Jessen; his sisters: Ruby Crowly, Darlene Elwood, Geneva Masterson, and Viola Hansen. Survivors include his wife Vickie Jessen of Omaha, Nebraska; his children: Jeffrey and wife Sandy Jessen of Wahoo, Nebraska, Gary Allen Jessen, Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska; Timothy Brandon of Lincoln, Nebraska; Tanya Jessen Pray and husband Tony Pray of West Plains, Missouri; his sister Ruth Crouch of Manilla, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Friday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.

Service:
Celebration of life graveside memorial services will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira, Iowa.