Darwin H. Jessen, 83, of Redfield, died Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Redfield.

His funeral will be Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be Greenlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 2-8 with the family present from 6-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Darwin was born October 19, 1930 in Redfield, SD to Hans and Tillie (Pfister) Jessen in rural Zell. He moved with his family when he was 4 to a farm SE of Redfield. He attended country school for eight grades. Upon graduation, he and his older brother, Art, worked on the family farm helping their parents provide for the growing family during those tough years.

In 1952, Darwin was drafted and served in the US Army Infantry, during the Korean War in Germany. Darwin achieved the rank of Corporal before being honorable discharged in 1954.
Darwin married Sharol Olson on March 23, 1957 in Redfield. They began married life on the family farm SE of Redfield and they became proud parents of three sons: Russel, Craig and Brad.

Darwin loved farming and the land. Taking care of the land so as to leave it in good condition for each generation to come, was very important. He was an avid sportsmen enjoying fishing, hunting and playing softball in his younger years. He was an avid follower of major league ballplayers throughout the years. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren watching them grow up and succeed in life. Special holiday gatherings were one of Darwin's favorite times of the year. Darwin retired from farming in 1994 and they moved into Redfield.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the VFW, and a 53 year member of the American Legion.

Darwin is survived by his sons: Russel (Elaine) Jessen, Redfield and their children Jaime (Matt) Mogen and children Layla and Mason; Brett (Erin) and their children Bailey and Brexton; Chad (Nicole) Jessen and their son Cael; Kayla Jessen; Craig (Shawn) Jessen, Thornton, CO and their children: Kristin and daughters Jenna and Kylie; Brandy Jessen and Amber (Andrew) Kajfosz; Brad (Kristina) Jessen, Redfield and their children: Cory, Nathan (Ashley) and their children Carson, Logan, Keagon; Ethan and Dalton;. Other survivors include Darwin's 3 brothers and sister: Jerry (Carol) Jessen, Norfolk, NE, Arlen Jessen, Tulare, and Richard (Cathy) Jessen, Tulare, and his sister Rosemary (Dick) Tubandt, Springville, IA; as well as many relatives and friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharol; his brothers: Raymond and Art, daughter-in-law Kim (Riddle) Jessen and sister-in-law Diane.