1963-2026
Sharon J. Jessen, 62, was born on April 22, 1963, in Illinois to John and Jeannette Haila. She passed away on April 18, 2026, at Mary Greelee Medical Center in Ames.
Sharon lived in California as a child. She loved playing outside with friends in the cul-de-sac her family’s home was a part of. In 1972 her family moved to West Des Moines, where she entered fourth grade. She continued her education, graduating from Valley High School in 1981. She subsequently attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. Following graduation, Sharon worked at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and then at American Federal Savings and Loan in Des Moines where she learned how to operate a computer.
Sharon met Steven D. Jessen of Guthrie Center at a Merry Mixers square dance, and on March 11,1989, she married him at the Valley United Methodist Church in West Des Moines. The newlywed couple made their residence in Guthrie Center where Steve was employed as a farmer and an assembler of farm machinery. Sharon found employment at the newspaper office as an ad creator and feature writer, interviewing retired people and telling their stories for the paper.
Sharon left the newspaper office when she became unable to work due to a chronic illness called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). She was later diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. She worked from home as a freelance graphic artist, creating business cards and invitations for family and friends on her home computer. She also worked as a personal historian, putting together life story books.
Sharon was active before her lungs became compromised, causing her to require supplemental oxygen. She engaged in activities such as singing, walking along the country roads and in the fields with her beloved dog Goldie, playing tennis, gardening and helping her husband with the cattle and on the farm. She also enjoyed working on her computer, creating movies from photographs and videos. Her hobbies included designing and creating handmade greeting cards, reading about subjects that interested her — especially spirituality and metaphysics — and playing word games and online poker.
Sharon is survived by her beloved husband; her two brothers, Eric and his wife Lynn of Longmont, Colorado, and John and his wife Mary of Ames; and their two sons. She was preceded in death by her parents. Sharon will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services are scheduled on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center with a visitation one hour prior at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Interment will immediately follow at Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center.