Funeral Services for 94-year-old Richard Jespersen of Atlantic will be Monday, January 3rd at 11:00 AM at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:30 AM . Burial will be at the Atlantic Cemetery. The Roland Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Richard Chris Jespersen, 94, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away on December 28, 2021, at Atlantic Specialty Care Nursing Home in Atlantic.
Richard was born on November 28, 1927, in Rockwell City, Iowa, the son of musical parents, Christian and Robena (Leonard) Jespersen. He grew up in Rockwell City and at 15 Richard joined his parents’ band playing drums and singing. After graduating high school, he entered the United States Navy. Richard married the love of his life, Mary Ann Roese on June 13, 1948. They were married for 73 years, and to this union three children were born: Jill, David and Mark.
Richard received his Master’s Degree and taught school and was a guidance counselor for over 40 years. In his early teaching days, he played for dances on the weekend in a band called, The Keytones. In retirement, Richard delivered Meals on Wheels and took over his father’s piano tuning business, tuning pianos in many counties throughout Iowa well into his 80s.
Richard was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and blessed with a beautiful tenor voice singing in the church choir for many years.
He enjoyed wine-making and gardening, sharing produce whenever he could. At Christmas, he and Mary Ann had a long-time tradition of making candy and cookies to share with family and friends, caramels being his specialty.
Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; children, Jill (Denny) Brown, Dave (Cheri) Jespersen and Mark (special friend, Rebekah) Jespersen; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Don Roese.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Robena Jespersen; brother, Donald Jespersen; sister, Betty Bennett, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Jespersen.
Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Richard’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
