John Jessen

John F. Jessen, 83, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Friday August 19, 2016.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, August 22, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 7:00 pm with the K of C 4th Degree in attendance. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery with military services.

John was born January 17, 1933 in Ottawa, Illinois to Chester and Rose (Kerrigan) Jessen. He married Doris McConville September 14, 1957 at St. Theresa's Church in Earlville, Illinois. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1952 - 1956. He retired from G. E. after 25 years of service. He was a member of St. Columba Church, American Legion, V.F.W, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the 4th Degree and their Honor Guard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; six children, Lori (Mike) Rolph, Julie (Ray) Pearce, Jean (Jeff) Johnson, John (Dottie) Jessen, Leo (Linda) Jessen, and Richard (Debbie) Jessen; fourteen grandchildren; Katelyn, Kelsey, Matthew, Megan, Jordan, Jared, Jessica, Jack, Loren, Cara, and Brad Jessen, Symantha Rolph, and Emily and Carson Pearce, two great grandchildren Mason and Gia Brown; and two sisters, Betty Harte and Pat (Donald ) Pollett.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rosemary Beecher and Elaine Green; and three brothers, William Jessen Sr., Robert Jessen, and Michael Jessen, a grandson Leo Joseph Jessen Jr.

Pallbearers will be John, Richard, and Leo Jessen, Mike Rolph, Ray Pearce, and Jeff Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jordan, Jared, Matt, Brad, Jack Jessen and Carson Pearce

Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church Building Fund or Marquette Academy.