Walter J. Jessen, Jr.

Walter Jessen Jr., a resident of Sandhill Gardens Independent Living, Port Charlotte, Fl, passed away on January 10th, 2021. Wally was born in River Grove Illinois in 1927 and in 1976 moved to Ava Missouri. He was a carpenter by trade and built his “Dream House” for his wife Ethel (Lyon) in Ava View Heights, Missouri. After Ethel’s passing, he married Faye (Buchanan) in 1992. Known by many in the Ava community, he loved being involved in charitable and community projects. Wally was also a Member of the Masons. 

Wally served in the Navy as a Seabee in 1945/46. He was a member of the American Legion Post 335 (River Grove IL) and was honored by them for Continuous Membership for 60 years.

He moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, in 2016 with his third wife Shirley (Nielsen Young), to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and family.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jessen Sr., and Gladys (Daniels), his first wife Ethel (Lyon), second wife Faye (Buchanan) and third wife Shirley (Nielsen Young) and brother Ronald Jessen.

He is survived by his brothers Donald (Delores) Jessen, and Jack Jessen (Minnie), his children David Jessen (Doreen), Timothy Jessen (Rosie), and Daniel Jessen (Krista); stepchildren Ric Buchanan, Robin Buchanan, and Scott Nielsen (Shirley), as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He will be cremated and laid to rest at the Ava Cemetery in Ava, Missouri.