Robert A. Jesse, 91, of Alta died Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Memorial services will take place Friday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Entombment will be at a later date in Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Memorials may be directed to the BVRMC Foundation in Storm Lake.
Robert Jesse was born May 13, 1933, to Arthur and Evelyn (Chindlund) Jesse in Alta. Growing up, Robert was a member of 4-H and enjoyed showing his cattle. He attended school in Alta, graduating in 1951. Robert served as Private First Class in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, then later joined Bella Vista Lutheran Church in Bella Vista, Ark. He was a member of Hayes Township Grange.
Robert married the love of his life, Donna Mae Bumann, at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. They were blessed with three children: Lynn, Alan and Coleen.
Robert was a passionate farmer, raising cattle and grain. You could find him enjoying the company of his friends at morning coffee. He loved being outdoors, going camping and fishing. Many memories were made while traveling, especially annual vacations to Arkansas. He also enjoyed spending summers at Custer State Park with Donna. Robert will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robert is survived by his children: Lynn (Roxanne) Jesse of Whiting; Alan (Julie) Jesse of Peoria, Ariz.; Coleen (Doug) Imming of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Angela Jesse (Matt Weisberg), Neil (Kristina) Jesse, Marisha (Pat) Gonzalez, Janie (James) Cornelius; step grandchildren: Curtis (Stephanie) Martindale and Isaac (Amy) Martindale; great-grandchildren: Alanna and Ashlynn Jesse; Leo and Sadie Gonzalez; Logan, Anna and Zoey Cornelius; step great-grandchildren: Gavin, Alivia, Ella, Bryson, Kinsley, Easton, Greyson and Gable Martindale; special friend Phyllis Southwick; extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna Mae Bumann; sister Lola Vesgaard; brother Glen and Lois Jesse; siblings-in-law, Don and Donna Bumann.