Mary Ann Jespersen, 97, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.
Mary Ann was born on July 24, 1928, in Pomeroy, Iowa, the daughter of William and Gertrude (Gaedke) Roese. She grew up in Pomeroy and was an avid basketball player in high school. Loving sports the rest of her life, she seldom missed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Mary Ann married Richard Jespersen on June 13, 1948, and to this union three children were born: Jill, David and Mark. The young newlyweds began their life in Fonda, where Richard started his teaching career and MaryAnn was a stay-at-home mom. A few years later the family moved to Exira before finally making their home in Atlantic in 1964.
Mary Ann worked at Cass County Memorial Hospital in the credit and insurance department for 25 years. After retirement, Mary Ann enjoyed going for walks and delivering meals on wheels.
A longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, she sang in the choir for many years and belonged to a church circle.
She was a great cook and loved baking pies and goodies to share with family, friends and neighbors especially at Christmas time. Mary Ann was a big card sender, rarely missing birthdays and anniversaries. She also loved decorating for the holidays.
Her last few years were spent at the Allen Place where she’d made many friends and dearly loved all the staff. Mary Ann will be remembered for her cheerful attitude, her friendliness and her beautiful smile.
Surviving Mary Ann are her children, Jill Brown, David (Cheri) Jespersen and Mark (Rebekah) Jespersen; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Gertrude and William Roese; parents-in-law, Chris and Robena Jespersen; sister, Pauline Krueger; brother, Don Roese; son-in-law, Denny Brown; daughter-in-law, Sarah Jespersen; niece, Cheryl Krueger; and nephews, Tracy Krueger and Bobby Bennett.
Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 4th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Lauri Boysen officiating.
Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed in Mary Ann’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Mary Ann’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
