In Memory of Thomas "Tom" Jepsen

Thomas E. “Tom” Jepsen, age 85, of Sioux City, Iowa (formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa) passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at his residence of Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Faith Community Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Mark Aurand will officiate. 

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Christensen–Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion. 

The Christensen–Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Thomas Earl “Tom” Jepsen, the son of Harley T. and Mildred E. (Hanks) Jepsen, was born on November 22, 1940, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He grew up in Ida Grove, Iowa and received his education from Ida Grove High School. After high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. 

While receiving care at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, Tom met naval nurse Judy Hosmer. Their friendship quickly blossomed into a lifelong love, and on December 21, 1960, the couple was married in Yankton, South Dakota, during a military weekend pass. Shortly after their wedding, they returned to their respective duty stations, Tom to Virginia and Judy to California, to continue serving their country. Both Tom and Judy proudly fulfilled their military commitments and received honorable discharges in 1962. 

Following their service commitment, Tom and Judy made their home in Ida Grove, where they were blessed with three children: David, Debra, and Dianna. Tom soon began what would become a lifelong career as an over-the-road truck driver. He spent 36 years with Mau Trucking before continuing his career with Goodenow Transportation, where he remained until his retirement. Over the course of his decades behind the wheel, Tom often remarked that he had driven through all 48 contiguous states, as well as Canada. In 2014, Tom and Judy relocated to Sioux City, Iowa, allowing them to be closer to the healthcare services they needed in their retirement years. 

Tom found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved camping, fishing, and spending countless hours tinkering with cars and just about anything powered by an engine. In his later years, he enjoyed friendly games of cards and dominoes, as well as the challenge of putting together puzzles. Tom was a proud member of the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion in Ida Grove and the Morningside Post No. 0697 of the American Legion in Sioux City.

Above all else, Tom treasured the time he spent with his family. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply being together, those moments meant the world to him. He also cherished the friendships he made with his neighbors and friends on Lilac Lane, whose companionship brought him much happiness over the years. Tom's kind spirit, steady presence, and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He always had a story to share. 

Left to cherish his memory include his children Debra (Michael) Reed of Ida Grove, IA and Dianna Koontz of Sergeant Bluff, IA; daughter-in-law Beverly (Del) Jepsen-Johnson of Lynn Center, IL; grandchildren Stephen (Gina) Jepsen, Angela (Bryan) Dierks, Heidi Nelson, Tabatha (Anthony) Peterson, Brittany (Joseph) Simpson, Andrew (Kaylee) Koontz, Tyler Koontz, Trevor Koontz, and Olivia Koontz; great grandchildren Aubrey, Everett, Keenan, Harley, Lina, Owen, Johnathan, Hayden, and Nathan; brothers LeRoy “Bud” (Sharon) Jepsen of Ida Grove, IA; sister Elizabeth “Liz” Hansen of Winterset, IA; numerous extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Harley and Mildred Jepsen; wife Judy Jepsen; son David Jepsen; brothers Terry and Roger “Butch” Jepsen.