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Chapel of the Roses & Chapel of the Roses Cemetery

3450 El Camino Real

Atascadero, California

Gregory Jespersen Obituary

Gregory Gene Jespersen (4/26/1955 - 10/12/2016) Greg was born April 26, 1955, at War Memorial Hospital in Paso Robles. He was the son of Chris and Virginia Jespersen and the beloved brother of Pamela Ryan and Thom Jespersen. He attended the Lewis Avenue Elementary School and Atascadero High school, where he wrestled, played football and participated in the Future Farmers of America. Greg continued his education at Cuesta College where he also wrestled. Most of you remember Greg working at the family business, Jespersen's Tire, where he worked side by side with his father servicing the community's tire and auto needs for over 50 years. His joyous laughter and personality brightened up every room. Greg always believed and preached, "You should always treat people the way you want to be treated, with love and respect." His love for helping people was apparent in the relationships he shared with his family, friends and customers. On May 5, 1985, he married the love of his life, Luanne. Together they raised three beautiful children: their two sons Christjan and Gunnar and daughter Josie. Later they were blessed with two grandsons, Crispin and Grayson. Greg's greatest success in life was his family. He was extremely proud of his family and wasn't shy in expressing it. Greg always lived life to the fullest, whether it was waterskiing early morning glass at Lake Nacimiento or skiing fresh powder; he enjoyed every moment. Yet, it was the little things that mattered most to Greg, such as dinner with the family, sunsets on the ranch, and just getting out of bed in the morning. If you asked how he was doing he'd most likely respond, "Life is Good." And for Greg, Life was Good! Please join us for Greg's Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on November 5, 2016: Memorial Service: Atascadero Bible Church at 12:00noon, 6225 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero Calif., 93422 Celebration of Life: Atascadero Lake Pavilion at 3:00pm Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Jespersen

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Kathy Jorgens

November 11, 2016

Greg was a great guy. I know when I took my car to him it would be repaired right the first time. God Bless you Greg. RIP

Robert Gray

November 6, 2016

Always a good friend and family man. Thanks from the Gray Family.

Steve Silva

November 5, 2016

I had the privilege of knowing Greg for almost thirty years doing business with him and his dad. He was such a pleasure to work with which isn't the norm in auto parts business. Greg became a great friend and I always looked forward to call on him and the boys at Jespersons tire. He was one in a million and would truly give you the shirt off his back. I've never known a more positive and optimistic man...even when staring in the face of adversity he would break out that unforgettable smile of his. The world is a less happy place without Greg in it. Condolences to the entire Jesperson family.

Lori Baker Kuhnle

November 4, 2016

I have to say the first time I ever met Gregory was in the Salinas River. He was a white blur with waves splashing up both sides of him. I was sitting on my horse with my friend Sandy Heilman down under the old 41 bridge. We and our horses were both saturated. I asked her "who or what was that?". She said "it was a Gregory Jespersen and you will meet him when you start school here". I told her "I wasn't sure that I wanted to". He ended up being one of my best friends! Greg just had a pony that had no steering, no brakes and only one gear-full speed ahead! We went all through school, 4H and FFA together. In high school, well that was another many stories. I set him up with all my girlfriends sometimes good, sometimes bad. We would cry and commiserate together about all our rotten boyfriends/girlfriends. Then he got this lil old Army Jeep and I do believe he taught the whole Freshman and half of the Sophomore class of girls how to drive (unknownst to Chris and Ginny Jespersen of course). And then all of a sudden we were very popular. Mostly with the whole 6th period French class (which is the last class you want to take at the end of the day just because you were tired and didn't want to think anymore). Class was cool and so was Mr. Anderson but by that time the class was pretty much out for us. So we would pile as many French students as we could fit in the Jeep and go our own way. Had many fun and funny adventures in that old Jeep probably learned some real French lessons there sometimes. Some adventures got us detention and grounded. NOT so very much fun after all we found out. Of course Greg and I always used to learn the hard way. For instance, we were taking his girlfriend home to change into her cheerleading clothes for the football game but of course Greg couldn't just drive up the road he had to go straight up the side of the mountain. He hit soft dirt at the top and spun out sideways, and gut us stuck between 3 spindly trees one on either side and one behind us. Well, we were stuck. We had to empty the layers of people from the Jeep, hike up the rest of the hill, borrow a saw, saw the tree behind us down, and he had of course made me steer the thing backwards in neutral down the hill (thnx U Greg-it was a big hill!). Well, needless to say he was late for football, she was late for cheerleading and we were all late for dinner. Anyway I am so very happy that Greg found that special one (I totally flunked at doing that) and he had such a beautiful and happy family. We all loved him and will forever carry him in our hearts and memories. I doubt Greg ever knew a stranger! And to his family as we speak his very blood is flowing through your veins and you will take him with you wherever you go-make him proud as I know you will! Love one of your best friends forever, Lori Baker Kuhnle

Philip Greene

November 4, 2016

Greg,
What can I say, I guess we were lucky to make it through the teenage years. So much fun and innocent mischief. Laughing till we cried, working hard in our sporting activities both on and off the field. You and your family were a great source of support when my father passed.
Always smiling in my mind and heart. My sincere condolences to Luann, your children, brother, sister (and Mike) and your loving mother Virginia.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers, with love Phil Greene and family.

Lori MacPherson

October 28, 2016

Dear Luann and family:

I just heard that Greg has passed. I have such fond memories of a young man who always lit up the halls at Atascadero High or wherever he went. He was sunshine all the time and always had a good word for everyone. My deepest condolences to you, your children, grandchildren and the entire Jespersen clan...Lori Silacci-MacPherson

October 26, 2016

Greg will be sorely missed by his family, he was such a happy kid growing up,,He loved working for his dad and also on the ranch .He never met a stranger, and he treated everyone the same no matter their station in life.He was my beloved son . until we meet on the other side
Greg,I love you, Mom

Norm Baker

October 25, 2016

A good guy is with God in heaven.

Billie Blood

October 25, 2016

Condolences to the family. I never saw him without a smile and know he will be missed by all.

Virginia and Dan Davies

October 23, 2016

Please accept our sincere condolences. Greg will be sorely missed.

Scott & Robin Randall

October 23, 2016

Missing you Greg. Happy we will meet again. Thanks for your smile, friendship and many wonderful years at the tire shop. All you did for AHS. May you rest in the peace you were looking for.

Molly Johnson

October 22, 2016

The world is a sadder place without Greg in it. His beautiful smile and his open heart were just two of his many wonderful traits. He will be missed very much. Condolences to his family.

Susan Asabez

October 21, 2016

To the Jespersen Family, with great sadness to a great man who always greeted you with a smile, and helped you with your vehicle. He was always happy to see you. God Speed to you Greg and many blessings to his family, and friends he leaves behind. With many respects.

Jim and Janet Stecher

October 20, 2016

Our sincere condolences to the Jespersen family. It was a joy to know Greg. Each and every time we went to his business to haggle over tires, we looked forward to visit with Greg and his dad, Chris. He will be missed!

October 19, 2016

It was a privilege to have known Greg for 30 years. Rest in peace my friend.
The Kudlac Family

Jeff Stuebing

October 19, 2016

Greg had a very Kind Heart and a matching smile.

Paul Calvin

October 19, 2016

One of the nicest people I ever met.

Bill Thoma

October 17, 2016

Peace be with Greg as he goes to be with God in heaven. Greg was a wonderful cousin growing up and made us always laugh. Not just a little, but all the time! His laugh was infectious and lit up the room as was mentioned here. We had many many fun times with family gatherings. He was so lucky to have the wonderful parents that he had. It is a sad day for all of us. God's Blessings to Luanne, Christjan, Gunnar, Josie, Aunt Virginia, Pam, Mike, Thom, Jamie and Grandkids. He will be fishing with Uncle Chris at Nacimento I am sure. We are all praying for you. We had many good years with Greg and will remember those good years with love. Words cannot express our sorrow for your pain, but know that we are thinking about you. In sympathy.

Ellen Ueckert

October 17, 2016

RIP Mr.Smiles, I was shocked to hear the news of Greg. I was shopping a week ago and ran into him and we laughed like we always did, and what a smile he has. I guess I could say how lucky I am to have just gotten to see that smile. My condolences to his family and friends. Keep smiling Greg you wear it so well.

October 17, 2016

My sincere condolences. Greg always brightened my day whenever i saw him.

October 17, 2016

The Best of the best, what a great person with the best heart. what more can I say, other than my heart breaks for the family, Love you., Mary Piatti/Blair

Marty Heimer

October 17, 2016

I was a very satisfied customer of Jesperson's Tire on Plata Lane. Greg took excellent care of me and my car. He was always upbeat and personable and remembered my name. I am so sorry to read of his passing. I wish there were more people like him in this world.

Greg with cousins, Ken and Mark

Jillana Ridgeway

October 17, 2016

My dearest cousin Greg, your genuine ear-to-ear grin, framed by your trademark mustache, as well as those big "glad to see ya" hugs, will be forever remembered. So many happy childhood memories I hold close to my heart ... all more memorable because of my cousin Greg's presence. Jeep rides in the river bed, climbing the acorn-filled oak trees in the yard, checking out newborn birds in the barn...in my eyes, as a youngster, my cousin Greg defined unbridled fun and a genuine joy for life.

Whenever our family came into town, the old tire shop on main street was our first stop. We'd pile out of the car to see our favorite Uncle Chris and handsome cousin Greg. Greg was always happy to see us and greeted us with love and laughter. Later in life, with family of our own, during trips to the coast, we'd stop in to say hi at the tire shop up the road, on occasion grabbing a new set of tires. Greg would always stop what he was doing, with grease covered hands, and head out to greet us with that great smile. Remaining a highlight with my family is when Greg drove over to visit 'round the campfire during family trips to the coast.

My heartfelt condolences to all of Greg's family. Hold close to your hearts all the wonderful memories of Greg the son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, nephew, uncle, cousin.

My dearest cousin Greg, you will be dearly missed.

Alison Rexroth Rummel

October 17, 2016

Greg always was helpful and smiling..
When ever I came in he would Tell the story of my Dad being run over by a Caterpillar Tractor. He was Awesome..I will miss him..
He was the Best
Alison & Mike Rummel

Bob Jensen

October 17, 2016

I can still see Greg walking down the hallways at AUHS with his Blue 4H jacket on. Rest in Peace, Greg!

Carol & Rennie Burce

October 17, 2016

My first encounter with Greg was when I worked at Virgils in Atascadero. He leaned half way in the window, HUGE smile on his face and laughed "Are ya serving any burgers today?" Always a fun and sweet customer, loved by all. And of course the only place to buy tires was from Chris and Greg at Jespersens. You always received special attention when you walked in their shop. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and our prayers go out to his family and friends. Forever in our hearts.

Werling's

October 16, 2016

Greg always had a smile and some awesome dance moves! He always went the extra mile. Prayers to the the Jesperson Family.

Marylu & Jim Meagher

October 16, 2016

We first met Greg, Luanne and Josie when our daughters were in school together. Later we became loyal tire customers, largely because of Greg's service with a smile, and caring concern. We hold the family in our hearts.

Rich Jespersen

October 16, 2016

I am a cousin of Greg's, and I remember his contagious smile, laugh, and energy from the time he was a little boy. The LORD smile on him in eternity.

Bob Watland

October 16, 2016

He will be greatly missed by family and friends. God bless and we will see you again in Heaven one day. R.I.P. Done a lot of business with them at the tire shop.

Greg Beck, formerly of Carrisa Plains

October 16, 2016

My condolences to his family; So sorry to hear of his passing.

Ken & Carol Morgan

October 16, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Greg was a great guy, always smiling and happy, and a good friend. We will miss him.

Susan & Bill Rasmussen

October 16, 2016

Greg is remembered for his friendliness, his ear to ear grin and his kindness. We will always be thankful for the love he bestowed Erik during the boys football years; he loved him as one of his own. Your family is in our hearts during this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. With love, the Rasmussens
Susie, Bill, Kristen and Erik

Fred Kowal

October 16, 2016

My deepest condolences to all family and friends. Greg will be missed by many. Greg was a fine role model. The world needs more men like Greg. See you in Heaven my friend.

Amy Heilmann

October 16, 2016

I will miss you very much Greg.
I will keep you in my prayers.

Warren and Marvel Wickstrom

October 16, 2016

Blessings on you,Greg with love and kind wishes to your family.

Robert Carnes

October 16, 2016

So sorry to hear of Gregs passing. My condolences to all. I always enjoyed my encounters with him.

Debbie Frye

October 16, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Jesperson Family on Greg's passing. He was a loyal, wonderful man, always willing to help out. I will miss seeing him at the tire shop. RIP Greg.

Gene Courter, LCSW/DCSW/BCD.

October 16, 2016

Although Greg and I lost contact with each-other over the years. I remember Greg as a kind thoughtful family man always ready to help others. I'm so sorry for your loss, RIP Greg.

Patti Dupree Boisvert

October 16, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I went to school with Greg and we always went to the tire shop to get our tires. Greg and his dad Chris were always smiling and joking with everyone who came in. He will be greatly missed.

Debbie McNair

October 16, 2016

I was so very sorry to hear of Greg's passing. He was always pleasant and kind. 27 years ago when I was expecting my daughter, I went to buy tires, but could only afford two. I told Greg to put two on where it would be safest and when I came back he'd put on all four and told me the other two tires were a baby shower gift. That's just the kind of guy he was. He wanted to make sure we were safe. He cared about his family, his community and his customers. My heart goes out to his kids and the rest of the family. May God comfort you in this difficult time.

Danielle Wilson

October 16, 2016

RIP Greg my you fly high with the Angels! I will always remember you telling that tire is only flat on one side! You were always so light hearted about life! You and your family will always be remembered in the Community always sponsoring sports and events continuously! You will be Sincerely missed by all.
Till we meet again
Danielle DIsarufino Wilson

The Keithley Family

October 15, 2016

R.I.P. Sweet Greg , You will be missed by all whose life's you touched . We were so blessed to have known you what a wonderful friend you were .

Rich Harvey

October 15, 2016

Greg was a good friend. Always ready to help. Full of laughter and big smile. Greg and Chris were so close. Now they are together. Rest in peace

Chris Slater

October 15, 2016

Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.

October 15, 2016

Greg was my special nephew and will always be remembered as that great happy guy to me and all my children, his cousins. When he was a little boy, he would some spend time with us and never had a bad mood, always joyful. So many wonderful memories with Greg and his siblings. RIP Greg. Love you, Aunt Marilyn.

October 14, 2016

Greg was loving and caring. As a teenager, I didn't have much money, but Jesperson's let me make payments for tires. At times, Greg would take me to the tire pile and pick a good "used" tire for me to buy. Atascadero will miss him. Greg cared about people and it showed. Rest in peace friend.

October 14, 2016

I have known Greg my whole life. He has always been such a wonderful man, sweet, kind and funny. Rest in Peace Greg.

Sally Goebel

October 14, 2016

Greg was a sweet guy. Always made me laugh so hard. He will be missed dearly. Bless him on his journey

Mike McCardwell

October 14, 2016

Anyone that came in contact with Greg got a smile and became his friend...Greg was our go-to guy for tires as far back as1976. He was always there to help...ALWAYS! You will be terribly missed. RIP Brother! Love Mike and Margaret McCardwell

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3450 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

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