Memorial service held June 9 at Traditions

 

Memorial service held June 9 at Traditions

Raymond C. Jespersen, 89, of West Union, formerly of Viborg, S.D., died Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union. 

A memorial service was held Sunday, June 9, at Traditions Senior Living Center in West Union. The Rev. Dale Rausch officiated.

A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont assisted the family with arrangements. 

Raymond Christian Jespersen was born July 15, 1923, in Viborg, S.D., to Niels and Ludevikke (Buck) Jespersen. He graduated from Viborg High School with the Class of 1941.  

Raymond served in the United States Army during WWII, attaining the rank of corporal. He was honorably discharged at Fort Dix in New Jersey. 

On June 8, 1946, Raymond was united in marriage with Ann Marie Kirkland at Watertown, N.Y. Six children were born to this union.

Raymond farmed for many years.  After he retired from farming, he worked at a co-op fertilizer plant and was an insurance agent for Farmers Mutual of DeSmet, S.D. 

He was active in his community, serving on the District #45 school board, Creamery Board, Danville Township Board, and Weed Board. He was a 40-year member of Bethania Lutheran Cemetery Board, past president and secretary of the Danish Brotherhood Society, and was a Legionnaire.  

Raymond lived on the family farm until he was 82 years old, when he and his wife moved into an apartment in Viborg.  

In 2009, they moved to Traditions of West Union.  Raymond loved visiting and spending time with family.  With a special place in his heart for all children, he particularly enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and 

great-grandchildren. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Ronald Jespersen, Neelna Clausen, Harold Jespersen, Edith Kaarup; his father- and mother-in-law, Everal and Sarah Kirkland; three brothers-in-law, Donald Kaarup, Bob Clausen and Bob Johnson; a brother- and sister-in-law, Everett and Blondie Kirkland; and brother-in-law, Bill Kirkland.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Marie Jespersen of West Union; six children, Ronald Jespersen of West Union, Kathy Turner of Clermont, Margaret Jespersen (Denny Chapman) of West Union, Susan (Jeff) Poppen of Viborg, S.D., Nancy Jespersen of Yankton, S.D., and Randal (Amy) Jespersen of Omaha, Neb.; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike), Alex, Jessica (Andy), Jared (Amanda), Travis (Wendy), Tracy (Brett), Wade (Missy), Kari (Jace), Katie, Ryan, Megan, Lauren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Additional survivors include a sister, Dagmar Johnson of Sioux Falls, S.D.; two sisters-in-law, Delores Jespersen of Des Moines and Jean Jespersen of Leipsic, Ohio; brothers- and sisters-in-law Ed and Marion Kirkland, Bill and Margaret McGarry of Watertown, N.Y,; a sister-in-law, Delores Kirkland of  Portland, Ore.; many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Traditions Senior Living Center, Room 101, 609 Hwy. 150 North, West Union, IA 52175.

Condolences may be left online with www.graufuneralhomes.com.

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