Kevin Jessen

Des Lacs

Kevin Jessen, 70, of Des Lacs, ND, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Kevin Jacob Jessen was born on May 9, 1955, to Donald and Marian (Samuelson) Jessen in Chisholm, MN. He was raised in Minot and educated in Des Lacs, graduating in 1973. He was once married to Nancy Person, and during their years together they welcomed two daughters, Talli and Jaime. His daughters were truly his world, and he was incredibly proud to be their dad.

Following high school, Kevin moved to Montana, where he worked as a lumberjack–an occupation that suited his life-off-the-land, mountain-man spirit. The family later returned to North Dakota, where he began working at M & L Insulation. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to J & S Insulation. He also spent several years pouring concrete with Tom Hunter before beginning his long career with G & O Insulation in Fargo, retiring in 2024.

Family and friends were very important to Kevin. He loved having people around and especially loved to grill. He was a gracious host who made sure everyone was well fed, comfortable, and entertained. His storytelling was unmatched, and he brought humor and warmth to every gathering.

In 2016, Kevin met Angela Roedacker, who became a devoted and loving companion in his life.

Kevin’s love for hunting, fishing, and trapping began when he was a young boy and stayed with him throughout his life. As he grew older, he found joy and peace in gardening, eventually discovering he had quite the green thumb.

Kevin was a positive, uplifting person who loved life and lived it fully. He was incredibly generous and always willing to help anyone in need. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him and by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

His loving family includes: special friend of 9 years, Angela Roedacker; children, Talli (Shelli Gyorkos) Danelson, Jaime (Jason) Batke; grandchildren, Zach (Brittney) Danelson, Hunter (Paige Jacobson) Danelson, Paris (Dexter) Seese, Aspen Batke, Branson Batke; great-grandchildren, Xavier Danelson; brother, Warren (Kerry) Jessen, Bruce Jessen, Bradley Jessen; sister, Susan (Doug) Thymian; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins;and his beloved dog, Gurls. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Jessen Jr.

Funeral: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rolling Green Cemetery, rural Des Lacs, ND.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to local animal rescues.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 3, 2025.