Sharol A. Jessen, 73, of Redfield, SD, died Sunday, November 02, 2008 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. Her funeral will be Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Sharol was born September 30, 1935 in Redfield, SD to Oscar and Dorothy (Meisel) Olson. She attended country school west of Redfield for her first eight grades and graduated from Redfield High School in 1953. Following graduation, Sharol attended and graduated from Aberdeen School of Commerce. She was employed for nearly four years in Aberdeen for Socony/Mobil Oil District Office for North and South Dakota.

Sharol married Darwin Jessen on March 23, 1957. To this union they were blessed, as parents, with three sons Russel, Craig and Brad. Sharol and Darwin farmed southeast of Redfield. In 1975, after raising their three sons, Sharol returned to the work force, working for the Redfield Chamber of Commerce, Solheim's Department Store for nine years and then Secretary for the SDSU Spink County Extension Service for fifteen years, before retiring early due to health reasons.

Sharol loved being a housewife and mother, raising her family, entertaining, decorating, sewing, crafts, reading, dancing, being around people and hosting many Bible studies in her home. Special highlight was spending time with the grandchildren. With her grandchildren she enjoyed baking, crafting and special sleepover times. She cherished those drop-in visits anytime they would stop. Sharol and Darwin moved into Redfield in 1994, after Darwin retired.

Sharol was a lifelong member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, holding many offices within the church as Deacon, WELCA chairman, Circle offices, Sunday School Teacher and choir member. She belonged to the Learn A Little Club for forty-eight years. She also was a member of the Redfield Red Hatters, Pinochle Club, Whist Marathon, Pioneer Community Couples Club, VFW auxiliary, American Legion auxiliary and Love Circle.

Sharol is survived by her husband Darwin of Redfield, her sons: Russel (Elaine) Jessen of Redfield and their children Jaime (Shane) and son Jacob, Brett and daughter Bailey, Chad and Kayla; Craig (Shawn) Jessen of Thornton, CO and his children: Kristin and daughter Jenna, Brandy and Amber; Brad (Kristina) Jessen of Redfield and their children: Cory, Nathan (Ashley) Ethan and Dalton and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Marvin and her daughter-in-law Kim (Riddle) Jessen.

Casketbearers will be Sharol's grandchildren.