Delores Jespersen
November 16, 2018
Delores Jespersen was born of Arnold and Ane Sophie (Steffensen) Holmgaard December 12, 1920. She peacefully ran out of fuel on Friday, November 16, 2018. Delores grew up on a farm in Lake Norden, South Dakota, and graduated from Lake Norden High School. She went on to graduate from Grand View College where she met her husband, Ronald Jespersen, who graduated from the Lutheran seminary there. She completed her degree in education at the University of Northern Iowa, and taught home economics in Waterloo, Iowa, and in Eldridge, Iowa where Ronald was pastor at Faith Lutheran Church, before they both retired and moved to Des Moines, Iowa.
Delores was loved and admired in the congregations that her husband, Pastor Ronald Jespersen served: Cordova, Nebraska; Exeter, Nebraska; Newell, Iowa; Danevang, Texas; Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Eldridge, Iowa. Even in her role as a pastor’s wife, she maintained her own identity as a liberal progressive woman. She was active in her church (Luther Memorial Church), and enjoyed her many friends there.
Delores is survived by her three children: Donna (Gary) Simmer of Des Moines, Diana (Marty) Christiansen of Tucson, and Dan (Diane) Jespersen of Des Moines as well as four grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers, husband Ronald Jespersen, son-in-law Steve Wetter, and granddaughter Kristen. A celebration of her life is planned for December 12th (her birthday) at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. Visitation begins at 9:30 prior to the 11:00 service, and followed by a reception, all held at the church. Internment of the Cremains will be this summer at the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery south of Lake Norden, South Dakota. Memorial contributions may be directed to Luther Memorial Church.
LuAnn (Peters) Sewell
12/05/2018
I was a student in Mrs. Jesperson's classes for 3 years at North Scott high school. Both cooking and sewing. I still sew and I tell friends I had a home ec teacher who always said, "pin, pin, pin". 45 years later, I still "pin, pin, pin" when I sew! She made an impression on me for sure. I am sorry for your loss.
Susan Schmitz
11/27/2018
The family of Harriet Stewart from The Gardens so enjoyed Delores. She and Mom sat together at meal time and they developed a special friendship. When we visited we also ate meals with them both. Delores was a sweet, caring lady! Mom misses being with her.
Susan and Keith Schmitz,
Diane Stewart, Don Thompson,
Betty and Larry Oestenstad
Glendena & Richard Heiman
11/26/2018
Delores taught Home Economics at North Scott High School with me and Nancy Moore. She was an inspiration to us as a friend,teacher and "mother." She always remembered birthdays and special events. Our working relationship was a wonderful experience.