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Lieutenant Colonel Gary C. Jessen, United States Army Retired, age 86 of Centennial, Colorado.
Gary Jessen passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Clermont Park in Denver, Colorado. Gary was born in Council Bluffs Iowa to the late Carl and Dorothy Jessen. They were both second generation American Danes and good, hardworking Lutherans. Gary grew up with his brother Joel Alan and graduated Abraham Lincoln High School. As a child, he dreamt of being in the Army, and following graduation from Iowa State University, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served for 25 years in the Army and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Gary is survived by his daughter Kirsten, son Christian, daughter-in-law Eloise and grandson Dane.
Gary served in Korea, Thailand, twice in Germany and many stateside posts. His most proud assignment was as commander, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Aschaffenburg, Germany. Gary began to establish roots in Aurora as Troop Commander of Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center. Gary transferred to Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he retired, returning to Aurora to spend his next 4 decades.
Gary was a long standing member of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir for many years. An avid skier, he served as an instructor for more than 10 years at Winter Park in their National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). He thrived teaching handicapped children to ski. Gary was also an avid hunter and loved to fly fish. Gary had a deep devotion and faith in Jesus Christ. Family and country were his next lifelong priorities. He will be remembered for his undying commitment to all three of these, and to his willingness and desire to always help others.
A celebration of life service will held at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church at 12:00 pm, Saturday March 18, 2023. Gary will be interred with full military honors at Fort Logan on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church or the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) are appreciated.
To plant a tree in memory of LTC Gary Carl Jessen, visit the Tribute Store.
18
Mar
10150 East Belleview Avenue
Englewood, CO 80111
Services will conclude at the church.
20
Mar
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
Please meet at Staging Area "B" at 10:15 AM for procession to Shelter "B" at 10:30 AM for Full Military Honors.
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
Address 13436 West Arbor Place, Littleton, Colorado 80127 Phone (720) 344-8565
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