Richard Marvin Jessen

Richard Marvin Jessen 78, of Tulare, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield, SD. Richard’s final act of kindness was to donate his corneas to help others in need.
As per Richard’s wishes, he has been cremated. There will be a time to celebrate his life and share memories and stories with his family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. A private burial will take place at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in rural Tulare. Please join the family after the celebration of life for food at the Blue Room in Tulare to continue the celebration of Richard’s life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).
Richard Marvin Jessen was born June 22nd, 1946, in Redfield to Hans and Tillie (Phister) Jessen. Growing up, Richard was the youngest of 7 children and enjoyed helping his family on the farmstead. Richard attended county school located to the southeast of Redfield until 5th grade when the family moved to the Tulare area. After this, he attended school in Tulare until he graduated in 1965.
After graduation, Richard attended South Dakota State University (SDSU) for a short time; however, decided to move back home and help his father and brothers on the farm. During this time, he met his future wife, Catherine “Cathy” Campbell. After being together, they decided to get married on September 5th, 1969. Throughout their marriage, they had three children, Melissa, Travis, and Lynail. As a family, they farmed and raised cattle until Richard decided to pursue insurance. While selling insurance, Richard was able to travel the country and meet many different people until he decided to retire in the early 90’s. During retirement, Richard began to participate in his favorite activities: hunting, fishing, and being a grandfather.
Richard had many stories, some more stretched than others, but he was a very honest and fair individual and often voiced his opinion on things he felt passionate about. Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, enjoying a cold beverage, and spending time with his family and friends.
Richard is survived by his wife, Cathy Jessen of Tulare, SD; daughter, Melissa Jessen of Aberdeen, SD; daughter, Lynail (Doug) Larson of Redfield, SD; sister, Rosemary (Richard) Tubandt of Tulare, SD; brother, Arlen Jessen of Tulare, SD; 7 Grandchildren: Zach, Jeremy, and Trevor White of Aberdeen, SD, Josh White of Grand Forks, MN, Alison and Breanna Larson of Redfield, SD, and Tyler Jessen of Minot, ND; 2 great-grandchildren: Ruger and Riggz White of Aberdeen, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Tillie Jessen; brothers: Arthur “Art”, Darwin “Hice”, Raymond “Tiny”, and Gerald “Jerry” Jessen; and son, Travis Jessen.