Karl-Heinz Jessen

Karl-Heinz Jessen, loving husband, father, and opa left this world at the age of 89 on April 8th, 2021. A fighter until the end, his battle with serious medical issues showed his courage, love of life and dedication to his loved ones. Karl passed at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 5th, 1932 to Alwin and Martha Jessen in Kiel, Germany. In 1957, he married Edith Theysen and they soon moved to Canada and later the United States. In Michigan they started their family with the addition of their two daughters: Linda and Barbara. Karl was an entrepreneur, an avid boater, hobby farmer and a Vice Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He owned a variety of businesses throughout his career until his retirement in 1995.

Karl had an understated intelligence. He learned from experience. His opinions were simple, yet derived from a place of profound knowledge and from an understanding of the world. To him, everything was a puzzle. Pieces fit together in ways no one else could predict or expect. Every simple problem had a grand solution. By inventing, he was changing the world around him. Spare pieces of wood became a table for his beloved trains and old parts an engine to power his newest hobby. Chords and notes became a song that seemed to march to an old german tune.

These inventions were not mere solutions. They were what made people smile. They were what brought family together. He was the puzzle piece that his loved ones gathered around. From his favorite chair he would quietly observe but when he spoke all would listen. His family was his greatest creation of all. His love a gift and his dedication to life amazing. Without Karl the world will be a different place. Yet the labors of his love will forever be felt. His spirit touched so many whether he knew them in passing or whether they were lucky enough to be loved by him. He can never be forgotten, he is forever a part of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Edith, daughters Linda Jessen and Barbara Jessen-White, son-in-law Scott White, granddaughter Caitlyn White, brother Alwin Jessen, sister Sigrid Jessen, cousin Werner Jessen, fiance of Linda Mark Rell and many relatives and loved ones throughout North America and Germany.

Donations in Karl’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Upstate at the following link: https://hospiceoftheupstate.com/ . To donate, go to the main menu and click on “Support Us”.