Ann Jespersen, 96, of West Union, Iowa, formerly of Viborg, South Dakota, passed away on March 23, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Center in West Union, Iowa.
Ann Marie, daughter of Everal and Sarah (Kelly) Kirkland was born on December 25, 1922 in Watertown, New York. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1941. Ann was a member of St. Patrick Parish where she was Baptized, received her First Communion and was Confirmed. She attended Nurse’s Training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Watertown, New York.
Ann met her future husband, Raymond Jespersen, while he was stationed at Fort Drum. They were united in marriage on June 8, 1946 in Watertown, New York. They lived on the family farm near Viborg, South Dakota until 2006 when they moved into an apartment. In July of 2009, they moved to an assisted living center in West Union, Iowa.
One of Ann’s first jobs was as a clerk at the first Woolworth’s store in New York. After she married and moved to Viborg, South Dakota, she raised her children, worked on the family farm and worked part time as a nurse at the Viborg Hospital and later as a specialized nurse in the Irene Nursing Home. She also took care of children in her home.
Ann belonged to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Centerville, South Dakota, where she was an active member, teaching Faith Formation for many years and singing in the choir. She also worked as a cleaning person for the church and was a member of the Altar Society and prayer call list until she moved to West Union, Iowa.
Ann is survived by her children: Ronald, Kathy, both of Clermont, Iowa, Margaret (Denny Chapman), West Union, Iowa, Susie (Jeff) Poppen, Viborg, South Dakota, Nancy, Yankton, South Dakota, and Randy, Omaha, Nebraska; her grandchildren: Alex Jespersen, Jennifer (Mike) Grund, Jessica (Andy) Miner, Jared (Amanda) Turner, Travis (Wendy) Chapman and Tracy (Brett) Ohrt, Wade Poppen, Kari (Jace) Jensen, Katie Poppen, Ryan, Megan & Lauren Jespersen; her great grandchildren: Gabriel Jespersen, Amber Grund & Ashley (Peter) McGovern, James & Joseph Miner, Adrian Wurtz, Asiah, Ayden, Devin & Landon Turner, Brennan, Lexie, & Kennedi Chapman, Carter & Logan Ohrt, Ava Neises, Austin, Logan, Wyatt & Sophia Jensen; her great, great grandchildren: Landon & Layla McGovern, Stirling Chapman; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret & Bill McGarry, sisters-in-law, Delores Kirkland, Marion Kirkland, Dagmar (Jespersen) Johnson, Jean Jespersen and many family and friends.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Ray on June 5, 2013; her parents; brothers, Everett and his wife Blondie, William & Edward Kirkland; a great granddaughter, Amira Jespersen; a nephew, Jim McGarry; and a great nephew, Jamie McGarry; brothers and sisters-in-law Ronald & Delores Jespersen, Bob & Neelna (Jespersen) Clausen, Harold Jespersen, Bob Johnson, Donald & Edith (Jespersen) Kaarup.
Services will be held in South Dakota at a later date.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.