Obituary of Helge V. Jespersen

Helge Vilhelm Jespersen of Harrisburg, known to many as Jeff or HVJ, died peacefully on January 10, 2018. He resided with his wife Flora at Homeland Center. Jeff was born in Shanghai, China on July 8, 1924, the eldest of four children of Danish parents. They moved to the United States in 1926 and settled in Montclair, NJ. Jeff became a naturalized citizen after enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943. After a stint in photo intelligence in World War II, he enrolled at Rutgers University where he became a proud Scarlet Knight, earning a Bachelors in Business Administration in 1949. There he met his wife Flora Campbell when he answered her overdue notice from the Rutgers library, insistent that he had no books checked out. A bridge game sealed their fate and they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on January 15th. Jeff began his career in Schenectady, NY with General Electric. In 1962 he joined Mack Trucks, eventually settling in Allentown, PA. In 1977 he moved to Harrisburg where he and a partner bought Mack Sales and Service, from which he retired at age 82. Throughout his life Jeff was active in his community. Many remember him as Scout Leader of Troop 74 in Allentown. He was deeply devoted to the Catholic Church serving on many committees and parish councils and giving considerable time and dedication to the Pro-Life Movement. He also committed his energy to the Serra Club (locally and nationally), Friendship Force, Shalom House (a founding member), the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the Pennsylvania Truck Dealers Association (Past President), Chamber of Commerce, Mount Saint Mary's Seminary, Meals on Wheels, the Prison Ministry and many others who asked for his assistance. He and Flora enjoyed traveling here and abroad with friends and family, working together on behalf of others in those social concerns, socializing in the Scottish Heritage Society and the Bellevue Park Association, and they never turned down a game of bridge. Surviving Mr. Jespersen are wife Flora, daughter Katherine Hill, son Peter (Kathleen), son Eric (Bernadette), son Allan (Marcia), son Edward (Jolene) and daughter Marian Harvey (Stephen). Their son Neil (Sharon) died in a 1998 accident. Jeff was the proud grandfather of 19 and great-grandfather to seven. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1439 Market Street in Harrisburg. Visitation is in the church starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church or Serra of Harrisburg c/o J. Scott, 467 Woodcrest Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. HV Jespersen understood the many values of work and of faith. He trusted people to do the right thing and inspired them to do so. His contributions to society were many and lasting. Dear Mrs. Jespersen and family, My deepest condolences to you and your beautiful family on the passing of your husband. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Catherine Guarrieri Dear Flora and family, So sorry for your loss, we have many happy memories of time together. God Bless! George & Barbara Hill, Hiram, Ohio