Connie Jo Jessen

Celebrating the life of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Connie Jo Jessen, 77, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, in Shawnee Kansas.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Connie was the daughter of Michael Villone and Joyce Carol Gade.  She graduated from Benson High School, Class of 1965.  

On April 30, 1971, Connie was united in marriage to David Dean Jessen in Omaha, and together they shared over 54 years of loving marriage.

Connie worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa and served as a first aid instructor for over 20 years.  She was known for her deep compassion, both professionally and personally. 

A woman of strong faith, Connie was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  She especially enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual connection found in Bible study groups she participated in over the years.

Connie cherished time with her family – especially the babies – and had a wonderful sense of humor, often making others laugh with her silly faces and joyful spirit.  She enjoyed shopping, couponing, sewing, and playing the accordion at nursing homes, bringing joy where she went.  Connie also adored roses and hummingbirds, which reflected her love of simple beauty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael Villone and Joyce Carol Gade.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David Jessen of Ottawa, her sons, Michael Jessen (Jennifer) of Houston, Texas, and Daniel Jessen of Platte City, Missouri; her daughters Stephanie Jessen (Wayne) of Linn Valley, Kansas, and Kimberly Jessen of Lenexa, Kansas; her brother, Ron Villone (Jeanette) of Omaha, Nebraska; and her sisters, Vicki Lange (Mike) of Denver, Colorado, Susan Anderson of Dallas, Texas, and Jill Mclaughlin of Higden, Arkansas.  Connie was a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren – Paige, Taylor, Jenna, Reese, Christian, Deanne and Grace - and five great-grandchildren: Michael, Scarlett, Ensley, Dakota and Layton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 325 Hickory Street, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Visitation will take place prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Graveside services and interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.lamb-roberts.com

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