Andrew "Red" Jessen

Jessen, Andrew "Red" of Chaska, for 47 years of Minnetrista and a lifelong resident of communities west of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully at age 88, Aug. 9, 2013. Born in Golden Valley of immigrant parents, the late Andrew and Freda Jessen, of Denmark and Sweden respectively, from an early age he carried on his family tradition of farming. A World War II veteran and life member of VFW, he joined the Navy in 1944 and served until 1946 on the USS Lardner (DD 487). He married Laurel Lindman of Minneapolis in 1950, and this great "team" were blessed with four sons: Keith (Sondra), Cyril, OK; Neil (Mimi Noland), Independence; Ross (Shelli), Savage; and Philip (Gayleen), Chanhassen. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Harold and Lawrence and sisters Lily, Gloria, and Marilyn. He is survived by his wife; sons; sister, Gladys Lynch, Brooklyn Park; grandchildren Heather, Kelyn, Reid, Adam, Daniel, Tiffany, and Hailey; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. "Mr. J" was such a well- loved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. His giving spirit, sparkle of humor, ready smile, and kindness will be missed by all who knew him in Minnesota, as well as in Arizona during the eleven winters he and Laurel spent in Casa Grande. Andy's main interests were his family, friends of all ages, and the outdoors: fishing, golfing, farming and gardening - "tending to all growing things." Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 300 Fourth St., Chaska, MN. Private family burial at Fort Snelling. Memorials to donor's choice. Bertas Funeral Home 952-448-2137 www.bertasfh.com

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.