Obituary of Jerry Robert Jespersen

Jerry Robert Jespersen, Age 91, of Plymouth, passed away March 11, 2023.

The son of Clara (Olson) and Joseph Jespersen, he was born on September 1, 1931 in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from high school in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, he joined the Navy sailing on the USS Iowa, New Jersey, and Mississippi war ships during the Korean War Conflict from 1951-1954. After returning to Minneapolis, he met and married his wife Lou Ann (Krause). They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on April 30, 2023. Jerry and Lou Ann lived in Minnesota throughout their married life, and also lived in Florida for many years after Jerry retired. Jerry's professions in life mostly involved working with his hands, first as a barber, later as a grocery store owner, butcher, and carpenter, and finally retiring after working in a corporate business position.

Jerry had many interests making the most of what life had to offer including being an avid reader, a lover of music, movies, and nature, canoeing, camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, dancing and traveling. Still wanting to enjoy the outdoors, you could find Jerry driving his new shiny red scooter around the neighborhood and nearby nature paths with friends and family. He always enjoyed the north woods of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the BWCA. He made his final trip up to the cabin he helped build with his daughter Kathryn in 2021. He was a member of the YMCA for many years starting when he was a young man until the last year or two of his life. He played the piano, organ, ukulele and accordion, although admittedly he would say he was a jack of many musical instruments, master of none. He freely shared stories about family, friends and years gone by as well as current events with just about anyone.

His children remember his humorous way with words and little nuggets of wisdom. After his grandchildren started to arrive, Jerry became known as "grandpa" to his family.

Jerry is survived by wife Lou Ann; children Kathryn (George) Altendorfer and Annette (Bill) Sundem; grandchildren Ann (Kerry) Schneider, Mark (Amber) Altendorfer, Ben (Liz) Sundem, Tim (Alexandra) Sundem; 5 great grandchildren Ava, Alex, Elaina, Mia and Piper.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and all 5 of his siblings - Carolyn, Janet, Betty, Kenneth, and Jack.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to Allina's Dr. Divine and Hospice.

Visitation at the Cremation Society of MN-Edina Sunday, April 2nd 1PM, service at 2PM, luncheon to follow.

Memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, PBS Nature, the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, or the charity of your choice.

Jerry will be interred at Fort Snelling.