Donald R. Jesz • 1940 - 2005

Donald R. Jesz, 65, Granville, ND, died Friday, April 1, 2005, surrounded by his loving family in his home.

Donald Richard Jesz was born on January 12, 1940, the son of Elmer and Barbara (Boehm) Jesz in Mercer, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in the Mercer and Pickardville area. As a young adult, he assisted his father with the operation of the family farm.

Donald married Cora Moos on August 12, 1961, at Holy Family Church in McClusky, ND. He and Cora moved to Bismarck in 1962, where he began working for the Scenic Sign Company. He then went to work for Yeagen Dairy. In 1963, they moved back to McClusky, where he worked at the McClusky Creamery.

He returned to farming in 1964, 15 miles south of Pickardsville, ND. In 1969, Donald, his wife, Cora, and their five children, moved to their new dairy farmstead, located in Egg Creek Township, two miles east of Granville, ND. He owned and operated the dairy and range cattle farm. He quit dairy cattle in 1983, but continued to range cattle until 1985. Donald then raised sheep until his illness in December of 2003.

Donald was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Granville. He was also a member of the Egg Creek Township board for many years. Donald loved to fish, listen to polka music, and tease and play with his grandchildren.

Surviving family includes: wife of 43 years: Cora of Granville;children: Corleen (Brad) Haugeberg of Minot; Kenneth (Gina) Jesz of Hacienda Hights, CA; Darwin (Leslie) Jesz of Granville; Reita (Mark) Newgard of Battle Mt., NV; and Denise (Craig) Colburn of Wahpeton, ND; 14 grandchildren; twin brother: Ronald (Sharon) Jesz of Bismarck; and brother, Jerry (Cheryl) Jesz of McClusky, ND;
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Barbara Jesz; and sister, Judith Jesz.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Granville, ND.

Interment: Granville Community Cemetery, Granville, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday from Noon until 5:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, and 6:30pm to 7 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Granville.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Granville.

Celebrant of the Liturgies; Father Vern Smith

Music
Amanda and Darci Haugeberg to offer, "In The Garden"
Processional Hymn: "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
Responsorial Psalm: "On Eagle's Wings"
Presentation Hymn: "Be Not Afraid"
Communion Hymn: "The Old Rugged Cross"
Amanda and Darci Haugeberg to offer, "Amazing Grace"
Commendation: "Song of Farewell"
Recessional Hymn: "Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise"
Linda Smette, accompanist
Anna Kitzman, organist

Honorary Bearers: Donald's grandchildren, brothers, and friends

Active Bearers: Donald Moos, Myron Boehm,Wayne Helm, Jerry Lawson, Lawrence Bachmeier Jerome Grondahl

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