Morris "Mike" H. Jessen

Morris “Mike” Jessen, of Waterloo, passed peacefully of natural causes at age 87 on Monday, February 15, 2021. He was born January 19, 1934 to Anton and Edna Thuesen Jessen in Waterloo. His steady hard work ethic was forged very early as he enjoyed helping his father and some of his uncles (all whom immigrated from Denmark) on their local farms. Mike graduated from West High School in 1951 and went on to serve in the Marines during the Korean War. His innate reliability and loyalty continued on in his 44 years of “safe” service record as a switchman and conductor for the Waterloo railroad industry: Chicago Pacific and Illinois Central Railroads. He was “Morey” to his all RR buddies. After those decades of very hard work and frugal saving, he truly enjoyed his retirement years with his precious wife BJ. Snow-birding in Texas and Arizona was their biggest reward. They continued with their longtime enjoyment of square and polka dancing locally and RVing to festivals all around the US. They also made the most of traveling when health was good to visit children and grandchildren scattered across the country and abroad; seeing Mikes’s relatives in Denmark from both his father and mothers families and making new friends and dream memories on cruises. Their years pursuing local hobbies together as a couple were noteworthy: camping, fishing, biking, playing pool and cards! Mike had a lifelong love for playing cards of any type, with bridge and pepper being a few of his top favorites. Playing a card game remained his main highlight until health diminished. Mike, a quiet veteran by nature, was so thrilled be on September 17, 2013 Waterloo Honor Flight to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial in DC. Survivors include: His wife BJ Jessen of Clive, Iowa, two sons, Scott (Mary) Jessen, Texas; Larry (Randa) Jessen, Texas; 4 stepchildren, Carrie (Lani) Leichty, Minnesota; Michael (Janet) Minear, Florida; Jennifer (Phil) Jacoby, Tennessee; Greg Minear, Austria; one brother, Lauren (Brigetta) Jessen, Texas; one sister, Dee Fowler, Texas; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by: his father Anton Marinus Jessen, his mother Edna (Thuesen) Rimathe, her 2nd husband Ray Rimathe, and one brother-in-law. Graveside memorial service: Saturday, June 19, 2021 11 A.M. SHARP with full military honors at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa (Lutheran Garden F) Memorials: May be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, 6919 Chancellor Drive, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. The extremely kind, compassionate staff care given to Mike as a veteran during his final months was beyond helpful and excellent—even more life giving during the sad isolation created by Covid chaos.

Morris "Mike" H. Jessen

January 19, 1934 - February 15, 2021