Jacob J. Jessen

Jacob J. Jessen, 89, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at Golden Living Center East in Rochester.

Jake was born March 26, 1924, in Rocky Ford, Colo., to George and Elizabeth (Reifschneider) Jessen, the 11th of 12 children. He attended Fenger High School in Riverdale, Ill. Jake enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a long shoreman winch and crane operator loading ammunitions in Juneau, Alaska. He was discharged from the military in 1946, as a Sergeant. On April 23, 1946, Jake married Virginia Zoller at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Riverdale, Ill. Jake and Virginia made their home in Dolton, Ill., before moving to Hayfield, in June 1966.

Jake was a very patriotic man and was an active member of the Hayfield American Legion Men's Chorus. He took great pride in the 40 acre farm he and Virginia had together and enjoyed spending his time woodworking, gardening and fishing. Jake was a selfless and generous man who was devoted to his family. Above all, Jacob loved spending time and making memories with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia; daughters, Laura (John) Hagedorn, of Winter, Wis., Barbara (Dennis) Tarpenning, of Rochester and Eva (Brian) Fjerstad, of Rochester; grandchildren, Christine Donovan, Cassandra Thorson, Elissa Livingstone, Jeffrey Hagedorn, Angela Peterson, Joseph Tarpenning, Anne Meurer and Amber Fjerstad; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Jake was preceded in death by seven brothers; four sisters and his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 Second St. N.W., Hayfield, with Rev. Lincoln Engelbert officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Golden Living East and Seasons Hospice for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 1001 14th St. N.W., Suite 800, Rochester, MN 55901.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit czaplewskifuneralhomes.com

Blessed be his memory.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 Second St. N.W., Hayfield, MN 55940, 507-477-2259.