Barton "Bart" Jessen

Barton Allen Jessen was born on October 31, 1951 to Raymond and Evonne (Burmeister) Jessen in Luverne, Minnesota. While growing up, Barton was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. His deep love for God was instilled in him at a young age, a love that he continued to foster for the rest of his life. He attended Luverne High School, graduating in 1969. He then furthered his education by attending the Southwest Minnesota Vocational School, graduating in 1970. A short time after finishing school, Barton met Beth Kruisselbrink and the two quickly fell in love. The couple were united in marriage on July 13, 1973 at the First Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota. Barton and Beth were blessed with four children whom they took great pride in raising together. Their pride grew even stronger when their grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into their lives. Barton lived his life walking in faith and used every opportunity to show his love for Christ in his actions. Barton was called home to his loving God on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 while at the Prairie Center at the Avera McKennan Health Care Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 74 years, three months and 18 days.

From a young age, Barton was a hard worker. He worked at a fertilizer plant for many years and dairy farmed alongside his father-in-law for 25 years. Farming has always been in his blood and he continued his love for the land after his retirement in 2018 by maintaining his hobby farm. Barton joined his wife in raising bulldogs for many years. He loved to travel with his family and friends, always taking in a new adventure. Barton loved giving back to his community, he was on the Land O’Lakes Creamery Board and the Edgerton Elevator Board. He was a proud member of the First Reformed Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon for many years. After moving to Brandon, South Dakota he attended the Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church. Although Barton wore many hats during his life, his favorite was being a grandpa and great-grandpa. His family was the center of his world. He spent countless hours attending sporting events and other activities, always showing up for his loved ones. When Barton was spending time with his family, he enjoyed playing golf, bean bags and Canasta.

Barton is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Beth Jessen of Brandon, South Dakota; children, Stacy Van’t Hof of Edgerton, Minnesota, Kevin (Heather) Jessen of Garretson, South Dakota, Kelly (Mike) Buss of Brandon, South Dakota, and Rebecca (Bryan) Nash of Mankato, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren, Kyle (Katelyn) Van’t Hof, Devin (Miranda) Van’t Hof, Cody (Kassie) Van’t Hof, Dylan Jessen, Cole Jessen, Ashton Buss, Jaxon Nash, Kailan Nash, Samantha Van’t Hof, Paige Buss, Ellie Buss, Kendra Jessen, Madilyn Jessen and Rylee Nash; two great-grandchildren, Oaklynn and Haven Van’t Hof; siblings, Carlene (Larry) Boll, Sheila (Jerry) Schneekloth, Barb (Bill) Weber, Bev (Marv) Hoogland, all of Luverne, Minnesota and Peter (Kristie) Jessen of Jasper, Minnesota; and step-mother, Erna Jessen of Luverne, Minnesota. Barton was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Evonne Jessen; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jake and Betty Kruisselbrink.