Jarry M. Jessen of Hermiston died on Feb. 19, 2023 at the age of 80 near Cutsforth Park, south of Heppner, doing what he loved – spending time outdoors.
He was born on Jan. 20, 1943 in Paradise, Calif.
Jarry grew up there alongside many cousins and his three siblings, David Jessen, Cindy Bethard and Peter Jessen, all of Durham, Calif. He graduated from Paradise High School in 1961.
Jarry served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966 on board the USS Piedmont as a boilerman and received a Good Conduct Medal for his service. He then worked for the Western Pacific and Union Pacific railroads for 33 years, working his way up through the ranks to bridge and building manager. He had knowledge of most topics and enjoyed reading and was a well-known wealth of knowledge to all who knew him. Jarry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed archery hunting, fly fishing and tying flies. He took pride in serving as “camp cook” at bow camp and has passed on all of these interests to his loved ones.
Jarry loved life, his family, and most of all his wife of 55 years, Dixie. He cherished time spent with his three children, Stacey Jessen (Theresa), Kathi Keefer (Marc) and Kelli Bieker (John); his seven grandchildren, Kevin Fowler, Tyler Bieker (Cassie), Gunner Jessen, Maycee McQuin, Elijah Bieker (Katelyn), Jared Bieker and Tristen Keefer; and seven amazing great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Christina Marie Jessen.
A private family gathering will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Jarry’s memory.
Please share memories of Jarry with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
