Robert J. “Bob” Jessen, age 71, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on September 12, 2024, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Mount Hope Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service led by Orator Steve Jewett of the Vesper Lodge # 223 A.F. & A.M. at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
On Mach 25, 1953, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Robert Joseph “Bob” Jessen entered the world. He joined his forever family father Joseph H. and mother Mary Jean (Gilkerson) Jessen, on the family farm Northwest of Mapleton, Iowa.
Growing up on the family farm, Bob learned about hard work and dedication from his father Joe. He received his education in the Maple Valley School District graduating with the class of 1971. Bob went on to further his education in Waverly, IA, at Wartburg College perusing his passion majoring in art and music. Later he would also attend BVU in Storm Lake, IA, where he studied business.
On September 18, 1988, Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Mary Jo Christiansen. The couple made their home in Las Vegas, NV and were blessed with two beautiful children Nicholas and Stephanie. While in Las Vegas, Bob worked for America West Airlines as a grounds operation manager. In 1993, the family relocated to Onawa, IA, where Bob begun a career with Westendorf as a sales manager and also worked on the Jessen Family Farm.
In 2008, they moved to Mapleton, IA. At that time Bob worked as an account executive for KTIV selling commercial air space. Later in life Bob was faced with health conditions that slowed his life down.
As a member of Vesper Lodge #223, A.F. & A.M., Bob was instated 1/24/1996, passed 3/5/1996, and raised 3/18/1996. Bob also served as Worshipful Master in 2000 and 2001.
Bob was an avid music collector, Harley Davison memorabilia collector, motorcycle enthusiast, and appreciated a good guitar. Bob enjoyed taking vacations out west and into the mountains. With a hard exterior and a heart of gold, Bob was truly loved by family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Mary Jo Jessen of Mapleton, IA; children Nick (Hailey) Jessen of Valley, NE and Stephanie (Casey) Oehlerking of Sloan, IA; grandchildren Carter, Anna, Hadley, and Ava; sister Karen (Jay) Greenlee of Sioux City, IA, many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Jean Jessen; and many aunts and uncles.
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Sep
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
7:00 Masonic Service
Graveside
18
Sep
Mapleton, Iowa
