Donald Jessen 1940 – 2024
Donald “Don” Jessen, 84 of Sartell, Minn., (formerly of Wadena, Minn.) died on December 6, 2024. A Memorial Service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wadena on Saturday December 14, 2024, with Pastor Stephen Meltzer officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Jodee Severson. Military Honors were provided by Elmer Goche V.F.W. Post #3922 of Wadena and the Minn. Army National Guard of Moorhead, Minn. Donald will be laid to rest at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Camp Ripley, Little Falls, Minn. at a later date.
Donald “Don” Jessen was born on March 25, 1940, to Elmer & Ella (Kreklau) Jessen at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, Minnesota. He graduated from Sebeka High School in 1958. He entered the United States Army in 1963 and actively served until 1965. He was honorably discharged in 1969. He graduated from Wadena Technical Institute in 1971 with a diploma in Business and Office Education. Soon after he was asked to join work at Todd-Wadena Electric Company (known then as REA), where he enjoyed his role as a bookkeeper and accountant; he worked there in various roles until his retirement. Don married Marilyn Eckert on September 24, 1966, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Kari, Kyle, and De Ella.
Don was a wonderful husband and father. He had a heart focused on serving others and he was always willing to lend a hand. He has been described by many as a “true gentleman” and “one of a kind.” He was quiet, but an active listener, who gave his full attention to anyone speaking to him. He was kind, intelligent, funny, and had a warm smile. Possessing a strong faith in God, Don served actively in many capacities over the years as a member at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena. Don loved to hunt grouse, go fishing with his kids, and spend time with his four grandchildren. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes and he played on his church’s dart ball team. He loved to follow all sports, especially the local teams, and he was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
Don’s passing will be mourned by his wife of 58 years Marilyn; children Kari (Vic) Macho, Kyle (Bridgette) Jessen, and De Ella (Dana) Wilcox; grandchildren Samantha and Brianna Macho, Krystian and Jessen Wilcox; Brother Elmer (Gail) Jessen; and Sisters-in-law Elaine Brinkman-Jessen and Linda Jessen.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ella, stepmother Lucille, and brothers Carl and Willard Jessen.
Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena, Minnesota. Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Don’s Tribute Wall.12-18c