Charlene Jespersen

Charlene Jespersen, 88, of Exira, Iowa, died Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Exira Care Center.

Charlene was born December 1, 1934, in Harlan, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Mabel (Rasmussen) Mathisen. She attended rural school near Elk Horn, Iowa, and graduated from Elk Horn High School with the Class of 1953.  Following graduation, she received her teletyping certificate in Omaha and moved to New York City where she was employed for the airline companies for one year before returning to Iowa.

On February 11, 1956, she was united in marriage to Russell Jespersen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple was blessed with six children. In addition to caring for the home and raising her children, Charlene was also employed at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn and Heritage House in Atlantic for several years. When time allowed, she also worked at the Hillcrest Greenhouse near Elk Horn.

Charlene was a tremendous seamstress and sewed numerous dresses and outfits through the years. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener, canning the produce she reaped and selling it at the local farmer markets. Charlene was a very talented artist, and could often be found doing crossword puzzles or playing cards, Fast Track being one of her favorites. But most of all she cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Charlene is survived by her sons, Randy Jespersen of Exira, IA, Keith (Vickie) Jespersen of Atlantic, IA, Scott Jespersen of Panama City, FL, and Mitch (Fannie) Jespersen of Snellville, GA; daughter-in-law, Deb Jespersen of Red Oak, IA; grandchildren, Shawn (Tara) Jespersen, Christy Jespersen, Christopher Jespersen, Shane Jespersen, Trisha Clark, Amy Ratzlaff, Alan (Jillian) Ratzlaff, Adam (Brittney) Ratzlaff, Carrie Ross, Alexis (J.R.) Duckett, Jamie (Jake) Williams, Weston Jespersen, Gage Jespersen, Austin Jespersen, Trey Jespersen, Samuel (Nicole) Jespersen, Stephen (Janelle) Jespersen, Joseph (Rocio) Jespersen, and Daniel Jespersen; 25 great- grandchildren; sister, Joan Crees-Lauritsen of Harlan, IA; brother, Rick (Beverly) Mathisen of Kimballton, IA; sisters-in-law, Harriet Lewis of Des Moines, IA and Jane Davis of Audubon, IA; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell Jespersen; daughter, Paula Ratzlaff; son, Monte Jespersen; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Crees and Don Lauritsen.

No visitation is planned.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Exira Christian Church, with Pastor Steven Frock officiating.

Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Charlene's family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.