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Jepsen, Verona
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Left to right: Vernona Jepsen & Irma Jepsen
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Irma Jepsen and Vernona Jepsen weren’t related, but they shared a
different sense of kinship. The two close friends shared a passion for
giving.
Irma and Vernona were longtime friends. They traveled the world
together, they played cards together, and both left the remainder of
their estates to the Community Foundation. Neither ever had families of
their own, both lived and worked all their lives in the Iowa
Quad-Cities, and lived frugally, quietly building substantial estates.
They were independent, forward-thinking women. Some might say they were
ahead of their time.
Individually, Irma enjoyed science and mathematics, which led to a
career in the financial realm. Her position at Davenport Bank and Trust
Company offered her an opportunity for her to represent her employer at
area non-profit organization meetings. She was especially fond of the
Putnam Museum.
Like Irma, Vernona also knew the value of money. She worked a variety of
jobs at several employers, but her true interest was in people.
In addition to her large family - she was one of 12 siblings, 11 girls,
one boy - Vernona loved people. She loved to meet people and learn about
people, and she was able to do so via her many international travels.
She was "one of those people you would like immediately."
Vernona knew her remaining family members - dozens of nieces and nephews
- were financially stable. So in making her will, she decided her
beloved community needed it more.
Irma once stated, "I want to help the community where I grew up and
lived for many years." It’s clear she and Vernona shared that sentiment.
And give back to their community is just what they will do … forever.
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