White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

Jesup – Dennis J. Kessens, 66 years old of Jesup, IA, died Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his home.  He was born July 3, 1945, in Vinton, IA, the son of Joseph Henry Kessens and Sarah Pauline (Mealhow) Kessens.  He graduated from Don Bosco High School, Gilbertville, IA, with the class of 1963, and then served in the US Army for 3 years.  On November 22, 1969, he was united in marriage to Joan Bernadette Becker at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Waterloo, IA.  They have made their home and raised their family in Jesup since 1973. 

Dennis was employed by John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, as an assembler before retirement.  He also operated Denny’s Golf & Repair in Jesup.  Dennis was a member of St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, Catholic Order of Foresters in Gilbertville, UAW Local 838 in Waterloo, and Pump-Scheer American Legion Post in Jesup.  He had served as Head Golf Coach at Jesup High School for 10 years and currently was President of the St. Athanasius Credit Union.  In retirement he worked part time for the Birdnow Car Dealerships, enjoyed fishing with grandchildren and spending time with family; he also liked playing bingo and a good game of cribbage.

Mr. Kessens is survived by his wife, Joan of Jesup; three sons, Brad (Raquel) Kessens of Cedar Rapids, Brian Kessens of Cedar Rapids, Jeremy (Christy) Kessens of Waterloo; five grandchildren, Tiffany, Trevor, Isabella, Megan and Madison; one brother, David (Julie) Kessens of Unionville, MO; one sister, Mary (Tom Mickelson) Kessens of LaCrosse, WI.  His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, with Fr. Kenneth C. Stecher officiating.  Music will be by Monica Bengston, organist; Todd Rohlfsen, soloist and the St. Athanasius Choir.  Burial will be at St. Athanasius Cemetery, Jesup, with Military Rites conducted by Pump-Scheer American Legion Post 342 of Jesup. 

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the White Funeral Home, Jesup, where there will be a Parish Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m. and a Catholic Order of Forester Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue for an hour before services Wednesday at the church. 

Memorials will be directed to St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, and to Camp Courageous of Iowa in Monticello, IA.