Gerald L. "Jerry" Jessen

Gerald L. “Jerry” Jessen lived a rich and meaningful life defined by his deep commitment to family, friends, community, country, and profession.

Jerry was born in Spencer, Iowa, in 1937 to George and Alice Jessen. He was raised on farms in Iowa and Minnesota, an upbringing he credited with instilling in him a strong work ethic. He enjoyed school, particularly football, basketball, and track, and held several school records that his nephews later tried to break. He maintained many lifelong friendships from those early years.

After graduating from high school, Jerry attended Mankato State University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles,” under the command of General William Westmoreland. After two years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to his studies, earning an engineering degree from Kansas State University on a football scholarship.

Jerry began his career in 1962 as a professional engineer with the Bureau of Land Management in Casper, Wyoming. Soon after arriving, he met and enthusiastically wooed Kay Osborne, a Riverton native and speech pathologist. They were married at St. Stephen’s Mission in 1963. After three years in Casper, Jerry was promoted and moved to Cheyenne, where he and Kay made their home for the rest of his life. At the time of his retirement in 1998, he was the BLM Deputy State Director.

Jerry enjoyed a distinguished 36 year career managing and developing projects representing more than $80 million in capital improvements on public lands in Wyoming. He was named Engineer of the Year in 1986 by the National Society of Professional Engineers and was later recognized as a Fellow of the Society. He was also honored as Engineer of the Year by the Wyoming Engineering Society.

Jerry volunteered his engineering expertise on several projects that left a lasting impact on the community. The most memorable one was the Cheyenne Junior League Ball Park. Many community members donated time and money for this effort. The complex, which includes nine fields, is still used by hundreds of young athletes. This project is just one example of how Jerry was able to accomplish a great deal with vision and hard work. Jerry continued to support the Cheyenne Junior League Baseball Association and served as its president for nine years.

Jerry served as president of the Board of Public Utilities for 12 years. During his tenure, the board oversaw construction of the $35 million Sherard Water Treatment Plant, upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, and development of critical pipelines.

He was also deeply involved in Cheyenne Frontier Days, serving first as Security Chairman and later as General Chairman from 1989 to 1991, during which much was accomplished. Planning for capital improvements he continued the previously established pattern of sound financial management which enabled the payoff of the loan for “B” stand two years early.

Jerry especially enjoyed recalling his role during President George H.W. Bush’s visit to Cheyenne for Wyoming’s Centennial celebration in 1990. Preparing for the visit required extensive coordination with the Secret Service and White House staff, including sealing manholes, ensuring emergency access routes, and identifying a “presidential” speaking location that could accommodate security personnel, including sharpshooters. Despite the meticulous planning and tight security, Parade Day brought an unforgettable moment: Timber Jack Joe, a beloved mountain man enactor, and his dog, Tuffy II, somehow ended up riding in the President’s vehicle for the entire parade, waving to the crowd alongside the President while Tuffy curled at the President’s feet. After all that planning…

Many other organizations benefited from Jerry’s leadership, including the Cheyenne Rotary Club, St. Mary’s Parish Council, and the Wyoming Engineering Society. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he received the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Community Spirit Award, was named the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year and was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.

Jerry also embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved a good party, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was known for his smile. An accomplished golfer, he recorded three holes-in-one at the Cheyenne Country Club. Jerry and Kay enjoyed entertaining friends, playing bridge, and going to the movies with friends. He was an avid reader, especially of historical novels.

It is difficult to fully capture the life of such a remarkable man. One sentiment expressed by many says it best: “I’m glad that Jerry Jessen was a friend and an important part of my life”. RIP, Jerry.

Jerry will be remembered by Kay, his wife of 63 years; Joe (Carrie) Jessen of West Virginia; Jennifer (Jim) Nelson of Cheyenne; and Brent Jessen of Alabama. He is also survived by his grandsons, Joe Jessen Jr. and Patrick Jessen of Virginia; great-grandchildren Lucy Jane, Leo, and Rowan Jessen of Virginia; bonus grandchildren, Amanda Carson, Erica Mullings, and Adam Nelson, and many nieces and nephews.

His family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 4, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 2107 Capitol Avenue.

A private family burial will be held at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Jerry’s favorite local organizations, or to one of the donor’s choice:

Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82007 (donations will be matched by an anonymous donor)

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Children’s Education Fund, PO Box 2720, Cheyenne, WY 82003

Kay and Jerry Jessen Family Scholarship, LCCC Foundation, 1400 E. College Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82007