Sarah Jane Watson-Jessen

Sarah Jane Watson-Jessen, 55 years old, of Kalamazoo, MI, after a short illness, passed away peacefully August 9, 2026, with the love of her life, Jared Jessen, by her side.

Sarah was born March 23, 1971, to Roger and Jane Watson in Atlantic, IA. She started at Adair-Casey Schools until moving to Madison, MN where she graduated from Lac Qui Parle Valley High in 1989. She then enlisted into the Navy where she served our country from 1990- 1997. Sarah was active duty for Desert Storm and was stationed in Saudi Arabia. Sarah was awarded the National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct Award during her years of service. After returning, she then graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and then completed her Master of Legal Studies from Oklahoma University. She was then employed by Contract Land Staff 2008-2016 around numerous locations in the midwest. She was then offered a Senior Project Manager position which lead her to Kalamazoo, MI.

Jared and Sarah were united in marriage May 23, 2015 which blessed her with two sons Peyton and Gavyn Jessen. Sarah was also known for her love for her fur babies: Charlie, Chip, Graysie, and Nelson. You would not see Sarah anywhere without a fur baby by her side.

Sarah will always be remembered for her laugh and her smile that would light up a room. The one thing about Sarah was that you always knew where you stood and what she was thinking because she never held anything back, whether you wanted to know or not. She was a true friend to those she loved.

Preceded in death by: her fur babies Charlie, Cooper, and Chip. Her parents Roger Watson and Jane Watson, her in-laws Gailyn and Georgia Jessen, grandparents Donald and Tena Harder, William Watson, Ruby (Harrison) Christensen, and Allen Christensen. Uncles: Richard (Cheryl) Watson, Robert Watson, and Ronald Watson in infancy. Aunt Barb Watson.

She leaves behind her loving husband Jared Jessen, sons Peyton (JoAnn) Jessen of Anita, IA and Gavyn Jessen of Urbandale, Fur Babies Graysie & Nelson. Brother Scott (Becky) Watson of Madison, MN. Nephews Zach (Erin) Watson of Pennock, MN, Andy (special friend Brandi) Watson of Worthing, SD, Brady (Kayla) Watson of Porter, MN, Nick (Brandi) Watson Grasston, MN.
Brother in laws Daryl Armstrong of Anita, IA, Wade (Amy) Jessen of Anita, IA, sister in law Jill Jessen of Anita, IA, Jo Armstrong of Anita, IA. Nephews Jaxson (Mallory) Armstrong of Massena, IA, Brandon (Sara) Bonnesen ofAudubon, IA, Matthew (Shy) Bonnesen of Anita, IA , Trenten (Kalin) Jessen of Fontanelle, IA, and niece RoAnn Perry ( special friend Michael) of Anita, IA. Special Uncle and Godfather Jerry Harder of Adair, IA, Godmother Dee (Kenny) Harrison of Anita, IA, uncle Rodney Watson of Anita, IA, aunts Donna Watson of Cookson, OK, Janet ( Marty) Mardesen of Anita, IA, and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank you all for all of your support.

We would like you to join us at:
August 21, 2026. 11AM
Sunnyhill Cemetery
Adair, IA

Celebration of Life and Social Luncheon following
Anita Legion Hall
Anita, IA

The family request memorial contributions be made out to the Sarah Watson-Jessen Family, may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home
PO Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022. They will be designated at a later date.