Georgene “Jean” Van Essen
April 2, 1939 ~ May 20, 2026
Georgene “Jean” Van Essen, 87, Sioux Falls, SD, went peacefully to her eternal home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, meeting the “Joy of her life” – her Savior – whom she served so faithfully all of her life.
Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. Burial will follow at Swedona Covenant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Sioux Falls Christian School in Jean’s memory.
Georgene “Jean” Huisken was born on April 2, 1939, in Edgerton, MN, to George and Margret (Van Buren) Huisken. Unexpectedly, Jean started off her life in this world in the basement of a home, being born in the basement of a relative’s house in Edgerton, due to her parents not being able to make it to the Pipestone Hospital. To everyone’s surprise, not only was Jean born there, but four hours later her mother also gave birth to her twin brother, George.
Jean grew up in Chandler, MN, with her siblings, George, Rod, Gary, and Bob. She attended school at Southwest Christian in Edgerton. It was there that a young man noticed this wonderful young girl, Jean, and despite obstacles, caught Jean’s attention. Wesley “Wes” and Jean were married on October 2, 1959.
Wes and Jean made their home in Pipestone, MN, where Wes operated a shoe store, and Jean was a stay-at-home mother to their 3 children – Jody, Jay, and Shelia. They attended the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone. At the age of 30, Jean suffered a brain aneurysm and, by the grace of God, survived; however, that had a major impact throughout her life.
After several years, Wes took on the role of director of Woodstock Treatment Center in Woodstock, MN. During those 28 years as director, Wes and Jean faithfully served the individuals that the Lord brought into their lives. They ministered to many individuals and families in their home. Jean took on the role of chairman of the Christian Women’s Club for many years. Guests are always welcomed in their home, with meals and fellowship, sharing testimonies with so many.
As their children reached adulthood, Jean became a Certified Nurse Assistant. She was employed at the Good Samaritan Home for many years. Her joy, love, and kindness for all, but especially for the less fortunate, soon became known. Her kindness and devotion were rewarded not only with the “Nurse of the year” award but also with becoming friends with the staff, offering so much counseling, and even being asked to stand up in their weddings.
Wes retired in 2008, and Jean moved faithfully with him to Sioux Falls, SD. She continued to let her light shine by riding her bike to Sanford Hospital, volunteering to give love to babies – by rocking them – and to other patients there. Again, “love and joy were on display” as Jean was awarded “Volunteer of the Month” and recognized as being a kindhearted individual. Jean continued to serve in several capacities until she could not, much to her displeasure. Wes and Jean’s greatest joys were singing hymns together, harmonizing side by side, reflecting on the deep faith that guided their lives. This singing continued, together, along with others, almost to her departure.
Jean was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and moved to Bethany Home in Brandon, SD. Seldom being apart, Wes made it his priority to be at Jean’s side every day. During these last years, they both brought the joy of the LORD to the staff and other patients. Sometimes it is hard to understand why we, as God’s children, go through hard times despite serving the Lord for so many years, but Jean’s testimony was always that her faithful FATHER in heaven was in control and that it was her role to display the likeness of her Savior Jesus Christ. Her kindness, joy, and love, despite several trials, will always be remembered. Thank you, JEAN, for showing us JESUS!
Jean is survived by her husband, Wes of 66 years; children, Jody (Curt) DeWitt, Jay Van Essen, and Sheila (Randy) Swanson; six grandchildren, Joshua DeWitt, Hannah Warner, Jake Swanson, Betsy Swanson, Isaac Van Essen, Eliza Van Essen; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers, George (Myrna) Huisken of Camarillo, CA, and Bob (Cindy) Huisken of Niceville, Florida.
Jean was preceded in death by her grandson, Aaron DeWitt; parents, George and Margret Huisken; and brothers, Rod and Gary.
“THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH”
~Nehemiah 8:10b
Such a joy to be in Wes and Jeans home where Christ’s love was truly shared! So sorry for your loss. Jean leaves behind quite a legacy. Praying for your family.
It was nice to get to know Jean a bit over the past several years. Wes, and all her family, have my deepest sympathy on her passing. Blessings and peace sent.
Hi Wes, we celebrate Jean’s faithful life of service and grace. While we didn’t know her well, she always met us with a quiet smile, she was beautiful! Praying for God’s great promise of peace and comfort as you celebrate her life. Tim and Vonna Marcus
Praying that the Lord’s love surrounds you with His comfort and in the memories you cherish of Jean may you find peace. We are praising God she is home with her Lord and Savior and resting in His arms. She always had such joy in serving where the Lord led her. Love to you all.
Wes, last Time we saw you with Jean, we were going on a 10 day vacation and said we didn’t think we would see you and Jean again. I am so very sorry for your and for your family’s loss. What a beautiful woman and she loved you so very much. Peace be with you and your family knowing she is in Gods loving arms. Don’t eat too many donuts 😉🙏🏻🇺🇸
Wes, I was so sad to hear about Jean today when I visited my mom Margie at Bethany Meadows. Jean brought such joy to me when we first met there, with her beautiful smile and her complete adoration for ‘her man Wes’! I will certainly miss you & Jean, but know Jean is now in a much better place, and you have a guardian angel. Sending lots of hugs & prayers for peace to your family. Take care!
SO SORRY TO READ OF JEAN’S DEATH- I HAD NOT SEEN YOU FOR A WHILE AND KNOW I KNOW–YOU WIFE WAS SWEET AND I LOVED TO HEAR THE 2 OF YOU SING—WES YOU WERE DEVOTED HUSBAND—FAITHFUL EVERY DAY TO BE WITH HER=====I K NOW IT WAS NEVER EASY=-===-GOD BLESS YOU FOR THE DEDICATION==I AM SURE YOUR FAMILY IS PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR LIFE TOGETHER . READING THE OBITUARY OF JEAN TELLS ME YOU WERE BLESSED WITH HER–EVER THIS WAY STOP TO VISIT.