Jerpersen, Raymond Christian --- 1923-2013

BUCK, JESPERSEN, KIRKLAND, JOHNSON, CLAUSEN, KAARUP

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 7/27/2013 at 19:28:40

Raymond Christian Jespersen

Raymond Christian Jespersen, 89, West Union, Iowa, formerly of Viborg, South Dakota, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union, Iowa.

Raymond was born on July 15, 1923, in Viborg, South Dakota, 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.

Raymond was united in marriage to Ann Marie Kirkland on June 8, 1946, at Watertown, New York. Six children were born to this union.

Raymond farmed for many years. After he retired from farming, he worked at the Co-op Fertilizer Plant and was an Insurance Agent for Farmers Mutual of DeSmet. He was active in his community serving on the School Board District #45, Creamery Board, Danville Township Board, Weed Board, a forty year member of the Bethania Lutheran Cemetery Board, past President and Secretary of the Danish Brotherhood Society and was a Legionaire. 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. He particularly enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a special place in his heart for all children.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Marie Jespersen of West Union; 6 children, Ronald Jespersen of West Union, Kathy Turner of Clermont, Margaret Jespersen (Denny Chapman) of West Union, Susan (Jeff) Poppen of Viborg, SD, Nancy Jespersen of Yankton, SD and Randal (Amy) Jespersen of Omaha, NE; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike), Alex, Jessica (Andy), Jared (Amanda), Travis (Wendy), Tracy (Brett), Wade (Missy), Kari (Jace), Katie, Ryan, Megan, Lauren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Dagmar Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters-in-law, Delores Jespersen of Des Moines, IA and Jean Jespersen of Leipsic, OH; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed and Marion Kirkland, Bill and Margaret McGarry of Watertown, New York; sister-in-law, Delores Kirkland of Portland, OR and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Niels and Ludevikke Jespersen; 4 siblings, Ronald Jespersen, Neelna Clausen, Harold Jespersen, Edith Kaarup; 3 brothers-in-law, Donald Kaarup, Bob Clausen and Bob Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Everal and Sarah Kirkland; brother and sister-in-law, Everett and Blondie Kirkland and brother-in-law, Bill Kirkland.

Memorial Services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Traditions Senior Living Center in West Union, Iowa. 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, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.

Taken from a funeral brochure.