A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Shawn Blake Jesse, 56, of Newell died April 6, 2025, at his residence.
Private family services will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 9, from 6-8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Shawn was born April 29, 1968, to Norman and Renae (Lewis) Jesse in Storm Lake. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, where he remained a lifelong member. In 1986, Shawn graduated from Storm Lake High School. He went on to attend Iowa Lakes Community College for farm mechanics in Emmetsburg.
On Aug. 10, 1991, at St. John Lutheran Church, Shawn was married to the love of his life, Connie Poeppe for 33 years. They were blessed with three wonderful children: Blake, Nate and Grace.
Shawn treated everyone like family. He was the first to hold any baby (especially the crying babies). Many farmers would look forward to visiting him at Vetter Equipment in Storm Lake where he worked as service manager. Shawn worked for Vetter’s for 37 years. He was on speed dial to many farmers and friends. In his free time, Shawn was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a 4-H shooting sports instructor for 15 years. When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, he could be found reloading or woodworking. He would be outside from dusk to dawn working on tractors or various projects around the farm. Shawn always had snacks and was the ultimate bonfire builder, always adding a few logs to the fire before going to bed.
Family was always very important to Shawn, spending many Fourth of July holidays together “blowing things up.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Shawn's memory include his wife Connie Jesse of Newell; children: Blake Jesse of Emmetsburg; Nate Jesse of Havelock; Grace Jesse of Hartley; brothers, Brent Jesse and Darren (Amy) Jesse; sister Wendi (Scott) Taylor; mother-in-law Ruth Poeppe; extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Kenneth Poeppe.
