Richard Jespersen

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.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Lori Boysen officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church on Monday, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

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.