Francis Jesmer

Francis Cameron “Frank” Jesmer, 72, died Sunday, May 25, 2014, surrounded by family at home, in Tiffany, Colorado. A Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Bayfield Christian Church, 4995 County Road 509, Bayfield, CO 81122. Chaplain Ken Downey of Mercy Hospice will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.
Mr. Jesmer was born June 4, 1941 in Denver, Colorado the son of James and Marcella Jesmer. He grew up in Kremmling, Colo., where his father was the town sheriff. The family moved to California while he was in high school. Frank obtained his Associates Degree in Business from East Los Angeles City College. He met his wife of 44 Years, Marilyn Gray and they were married in Orange, Calif., on October 11, 1969. He was a Sargent for the Los Angeles Police Department, Traffic Division until 1987, when he moved back to Colorado. Frank purchased and began operating the San Juan Marina in Arboles in 1987 until his retirement in 2001.
Frank drove stock cars in NASCAR in 1962. He enlisted in the U.S Army in the early 60’s for a short time and was discharged due to an illness. He was also an active member of the A.F. & A. M. Masonic Lodge in Buena Park Lodge # 357, having obtained his 32 Degree Designation. He loved to hunt and fish.
While at the Marina, Frank, was integral in initiating the houseboat mooring and Independence Day firework shows. He was skilled at the day to day operations required to operate a marina, such as piloting large vessels and launching extreme size boats.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Jesmer of Tiffany, Colo, Daughter, Leesa Ryan (Spouse: Emmet) of Farmington, N.M., 3 granddaughters: Kellee, Lareesa, and Ashlee, and his mother-in-law: Irene Gray of Tiffany.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and a son: James Brad Jesmer, in 2013.
Floral or contributions are accepted. Contributions may be sent to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St., Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301.