Jay Alan Jeppesen

Jay Alan Jeppesen, 67, of Arnold’s Park, IA, formerly of Sibley, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on August 26, 2025. Jay was born on April 28, 1958, in Worthington, MN, to Virgil and Eileen Jeppesen. He graduated from Sibley High School in 1976, boasting the title of co-football captain. Following graduation, he continued to work alongside his father at Jeppesen Gravel and eventually took over the family’s dirt work business. Jay was won over by the love of his life, Kim Hovland of Worthington, and the two were married on December 18, 1982. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and a family of eight, first in Bigelow, MN, and later in Sibley, IA. The couple were loyal supporters of all things Sibley-Ocheyedan. From 1990 to 2017, they had children continuously going through the school system, and Jay made sure to be there—never missing a wrestling match or football game and sitting (somewhat heroically) through a few school concerts with the patience of a saint. Jay was also a fixture at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, ushering nearly every week and somehow finding himself elected to the church council. He shared many laughs (and plenty of teasing) with Fr. Tim Hogan and Fr. Claire Boes, who graciously accepted it in exchange for all the help and hospitality Jay and his family offered. Though Jay often claimed that his only passion in life was work, his retirement years revealed the joys of leisure and friendship. Nearly every night, you could find him drinking pop at a local bar surrounded by friends and strangers alike laughing, teasing, and making everyone feel welcome. He was always quick with a joke, whether the timing was appropriate or not. Jay will be remembered for his quick wit, his generosity, and the family he leaves behind. He is survived by his children, Alan and Mara Jeppesen, Katie and Kasey Schafer, Ricky Jeppesen, Tena and Brenden Nelson, Marie and Mike Johnson, and Anita and Kirby Marden; his six cherished granddaughters, Kamila, Eiley, and Livia Jeppesen, Emilia and Elowyn Marden, and Matilda Nelson; and his siblings Jim Jeppesen, Judy Seivert, and Jane Steffl. Preceding him in death are his parents Virgil and Eileen, his wife Kim, sister Joyce Poss, niece Kari VanderWoude, and brother in-law John “Doc” Seivert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, IA, with a Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2nd, from 5–7 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Worthington, MN. Arrangements are under the care of Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be shared at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com

Jay Alan Jeppesen

April 28, 1958 - August 26, 2025