Craig Jepsen

Craig Wayne Jepsen, 75, of Hutchinson, Minnesota and formerly of Gayville, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Gayville Lutheran Church in Gayville, SD with Reverend Drew Riter officiating, followed by a fellowship lunch at the Gayville Community Center.  A private family burial will be in the Danish Cemetery in rural Gayville with military honors provided by the Rudolph Christensen American Legion Post No. 237 of Gayville and the SD Army National Guard Funeral Honors.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Friday, December 1, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.  In celebration of Craig’s love of Gayville-Volin High School and South Dakota State University athletics, his family requests that you wear Gayville-Volin Raiders, South Dakota State Jackrabbits, or your favorite team’s gear to the prayer service.

Pallbearers include Gary Jepsen, Hayden Fox, Carter Fox, Josh Fox, and Evan Fox.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post 237.

Craig was born on December 16, 1947, to Glennys Elizabeth (Bye) Jepsen and Wayne Hans “Bud” Jepsen in Yankton, South Dakota.  After graduating from Gayville High School in 1966, Craig attended South Dakota State University where he studied Mechanical Agriculture.  He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biological Science. Craig served in the Army, becoming a Second Lieutenant while stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Craig farmed on the family farm south of Gayville with his father and brother, Gene. He was married to Sara Francis Fox on April 24, 1982, and together they raised their daughters, Rebecca Sue and Emily Elizabeth.

Throughout his life, Craig was dedicated to his community.  He was a lifetime member of the Rudolph Christensen American Legion Post 237. He was proud to represent the American Legion at public events and to provide graveside rites for veterans.  As a member of the Danish Lutheran and Gayville Lutheran Church, Craig served on numerous boards and committees.  He also served on the board of the South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm, Yankton County Pork Producers, Irrigators Association, and other organizations throughout his life.  Craig enjoyed going to Yankton Jackrabbit Club events as he loved cheering on the Jacks!!  Craig was well known in the area as a true neighbor – no one who asked for his help was refused.

Craig and Sara were married for 42 years.  Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed attending both Gayville-Volin High School and South Dakota State University athletic events.  After his retirement, Craig loved to stop by Valley Ag or CorTrust Bank in Gayville for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Craig and Sara later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, where they enjoyed being closer to their grandchildren.

Craig is survived by his wife, Sara Francis Fox Jepsen; his daughter, Rebecca Sue Jepsen Datzov (Nikola); his daughter, Emily Elizabeth Jepsen Koehler (Jonathan); his grandchildren: Evan Jeremy Fox, Evie Dawn Koehler, Viktor Nikola Datzov, and Pavel Jepsen Datzov; his sisters-in-law: Lori Lee Jepsen, Ernetta Lynn Fox, and Elizabeth Anne Fox; brothers-in-law: Micheal Clay Fox (Gui) and Bryan Claude Fox (Michelle); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene Dale Jepsen.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Post 237 American Legion in Gayville, South Dakota.