Lyle B. Jepsen • 1923- 2004

Lyle B. Jepsen, 80, Bowbells, died Sunday, August 22, 2004 in the Kenmare Hospital.

Lyle Burnell Jepsen, was born October 18, 1923 the son of Carl and Mathilda (Hansen) Jepsen in Bowbells, ND. He was raised on the family farm three miles west of Coteau, ND. He attended grade school in Coteau. Lyle graduated from the Pittsburgh Evening High School in Pittsburgh, California.

Lyle entered the United States Army and trained as a photo topographer while serving his country in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the American Theater Ribbon. Lyle was honorably discharged from the 7th Geodetic Control Squadron 311th Reconnaissance Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida on March 23, 1947. Following his discharge from the service, he returned to farming with his father and his brother, Carl Jr.

On July 7th, 1963, Lyle was united in marriage to Mavis Heide in Williston. Following their marriage, he and his wife built a new farmstead west of Coteau, where they lived and raised their five children.

In 1989, Lyle retired from farming, and he along with his wife, and youngest son Kendall, moved to Williston, where they resided for 14 years. During this time they were members of First Lutheran Church in Williston. In the summer of 2003, they moved back to Bowbells, and spent the winter months in Palm Desert, California. Lyle continued his farming interests in the spring and the fall.

Lyle served on the Ward Township board, the Burke County Historical Society, and served on the church councils of Zion Lutheran Church in Coteau, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bowbells.

Lyle was very loyal to his family and friends. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Having each of his children receive their college degree in their field of interest was very important to him. He loved to spend time with computers and other various electronic equipment.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mavis: daughter, Julene (Eric) Lesher, Bartlett IL: sons, Nathan, Bowbells; Leslie, St. Paul, MN; Ronal, Parker, CO; Kendall, St. Paul, MN; 2 grandsons, Steven and Joshua Lesher; several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Elwood and Carl Jr.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND

Visitation: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare, ND

Burial: Bowbells Cemetery, Bowbells, ND

Officiant: Reverend Mary Strom

Music; Peggy Anderson - Vocalist
Deb Melby - Accompanist
"Under His Wings" & "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Clara Olson - Organist
Congregational Hymns: "Children of the Heavenly Father" &
"Now Thank We All Our God"

Honorary Bearers: Lyle's family and friends

Active Bearers: Rodley Jepsen, Darcy Jepsen, Bruce Heide, Brian Jensen,Lee Anderson, Jim Anderson, Brad Chrest and Robert Sundin

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