Jespersen, Ramon "Ray" (1910-2007)

JESPERSEN, WIECHMANN, STASKA, HARTMANN, ADAMS, FEATHERS, MERKWAN, CHERNOTIK

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/11/2008 at 10:31:43

From: Carlsen Funeral Home website

Ramon “Ray” Jespersen, 97, of Akron, Iowa passed away Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Akron, Iowa. Pastor Mike Avery will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitations will be after 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 21, 2007, with the family present after 6:00 p.m., and a Prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron.

Ramon Roy Jespersen was born March 13, 1910 on the family farm north of Wagner, South Dakota, the son of Hans and Carolena (Wiechmann) Jespersen. He attended school in Wagner and graduated from high school. He attended South Dakota State University where he was in R.O.T.C. for 2 years. He married Helen Staska. They lived in Wagner, where Ray started his own trucking business. Early in the 1940’s, they moved to Akron. Ray purchased a gas station in town. Later, he started Jespersen Oil where he sold and distributed oil products throughout the country. Then the business became known as Akron Oil Sales. After selling the business, Ray became a personal contractor in Akron, building and remodeling homes in the community for several years.

Ray was united in marriage to Margaret “Mickey” Hartmann on July 5, 1962. Ray was very active in the community of Akron. He served on City council for 3 years and was the Mayor for 15 consecutive years. He was instrumental in the development of many projects throughout the community, including the swimming pool and the Akron airport.

One of Ray’s greatest passions in life was aviation, he enjoyed flying with family and friends. He also enjoyed bowling and golfing. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Akron. Ray served on many civic and volunteer groups, offering assistance and help whenever needed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of over 45 years, Mickey of Akron; his son: Bruce Jespersen of Wagner, SD; his daughter: MariEtta Adams of Overland Park, KS; a granddaughter: Kim Feathers and her husband Tim of Overland Park, KS and their children, Austin and Olivia; a grandson: Steve Adams and his wife Kelly of Omaha, NE and their children, Taylor and Brayden; a brother: Glenn Jespersen of Armour, SD; two sisters: Arlene Merkwan of Sioux Falls, SD, and Helen Chernotik of Wagner, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Ed and Elmer Jespersen; and his first wife, Helen.

Casket Bearers will be: Steve Adams, Tim Feathers, Dickie Hartmann, Jim Merkwan, James Hartmann, and Ed Searls.