Marvin Petersen Jessen
July 13, 2015
Marvin Jessen died at Trinity Center at Luther Park on Monday, July 13, 2015 at the age of 92. Memorial services will be held at Luther Memorial Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25.
Marvin was born to Danish immigrant parents in Askov, MN on June 25, 1923. He attended the local H.C. Andersen school and graduated with the class of 1941. Marvin served with the U.S. Army in WWII from 1944-1946, and spent most of that time in Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the army, he enrolled at Grand View College in Des Moines, and subsequently attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Ph.D. in Zoology.
Marvin taught in the Biology Department at Grand View College from 1951-1988 and was granted emeritus status upon retiring. He was elected to Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society of North America, based on his marine research at the Marine Biological Station in Charleston, Oregon.
In 1947 Marvin married Helen Ophelia Nielsen of Des Moines. They were married 62 years. To this union two children were born: Carol Kellogg of St. Louis, MO and the late David Jessen. Marvin served on the boards of the Des Moines Civic Music Association, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and the Des Moines Botanical Center.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings; his wife Helen; and son David. Survivors include his daughter Carol; her husband, Ronald Kellogg; granddaughters Alicia and Kristin Kellogg; and nieces and nephews.
The body has been donated to Des Moines University, and the cremains will be interred at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date.
Memorials may be designated to Grand View University or Luther Memorial Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Janet Hockey
07/17/2015
I am very sorry for Marvin's passing. He was a wonderful man who I have fond memories he and Helen. My prayers go out to Carol, Ron, and his granddaughters. Chuck, Janet, Sarah and Olivia Hockey
Mary Burham-Chase
07/17/2015
My prayers are with the family. Marvin was a good friend to my dad, Robert L. Burham when they were both in the Science Department at Grand View. I have very fond memories of him when I was growing up.
Karen Marck Chapman
07/15/2015
So sorry to hear of Marvin's passing, He was very good to my mother Anna Marie Marck when he and Helen lived in the same apartment building.
Fond memories of the time twin Eric left his baby girl in her car seat in front of Marvin and Helen's front door and knocked and hid in the laundry room to hear their reaction. A good laugh was had by all.