Paul E. Jepsen, Sr., 92, of Greene, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. Public visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, at Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, 519 N. 1st St., Greene, Iowa. Private family graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.
Paul Edward Jepsen, Sr., was born May 26, 1931, in The Franklin County Hospital in Hampton, the eldest son of Lawrence and Dorothy (Hansen) Jepsen. He lived on his grandfather’s farm near Bristow until 1932, and then moved to Bennezette Township where he lived most of his life. He was educated in country schools through the 8th grade and graduated from Greene High School with the class of 1949. After graduation, Paul worked as a mechanic and helped farm. In the spring of 1952, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea in the motor pool and operated a bulldozer. After returning home in 1955, he farmed on the family farm eventually purchasing the family land and nearby acres. In 1962, Paul purchased Coldwater #2 country school, had it moved to his farm and began repairing tractors and other equipment in that building. In 1967 he founded Jepsen Bin Sales, employing many area people on crews building grain bins and dryers on area farms.
It was through the grain bin business that he met Glenda Juhl. They were married on July 12, 1975, in Latimer, Iowa. He became father of her 5 children and soon welcomed Paul Jepsen, Jr. Paul Sr. was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Greene for many years. He served 15 years on the Greene School Board and several of those years as president. He was a Board member for the Kesley Creamery, ASCS, and was a member of the Butler County Pork Producers. He bowled on leagues in the area. He took many family adventures in the family Born Free Camper. He never passed up a chance to attend a tractor pull. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed going on “progress rides” to watch the local planting and harvest. He loved farming, talking about farming, and still checked the markets even from the care center. He also enjoyed family visits and reunions, his grand and great grandchildren and reading many newspapers and farm magazines. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and sincere man who loved good conversations.
Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years Glenda; son: Paul Jepsen, Jr. (Thomas Rodman) of Greene; step-children: Jeff Juhl of Rifle, CO; Ginny Dockhorn of Greene; Maurice Juhl (Becky) of New Castle, CO; Dwight Juhl of Glenwood Springs, CO; Tracy Juhl of Greene; 7 granddaughters: Marin, Thea (Grant), Sarah (Travis), Mattie (Dan), Grace (Tim), Kate (John) and Lindsay; 6 great grandchildren, Alex, Andrew, Anthony, Mikey, Emma, and Cameron; brothers: Lee (Betty) Jepsen of Waukon; Larry Jepsen of Cedar Falls; brother-in-law: Doug Bellmer of Cedar Falls; sister-in-law: Linda Carpenter of Garner; many nieces, nephews and lots of friends and neighbors.
Preceding him in death are his parents; sister Helen Judas (Gene) and sister Ruth Bellmer.
Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy may address to: The Family of Paul Jepsen, Sr., P.O. Box 219, Greene, IA 50636.
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