Walter Scott Jessup

Walter Scott Jessup, age 49, passed away July 11, 2018 after succumbing to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on July 8, 2018. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 14, 1968.

Walt was first, last and always a railroad man. He was the fifth generation of his family, along with his brother, to be a railroad man! He began working on diesel locomotives at the age of 14, when he worked for his dad at the former Iowa Railroad in Council Bluffs. When he wasn’t at the Iowa Railroad, he worked with his dad and his grandfather, Walt, doing locomotive maintenance and engine component rebuilding in his father‘s shop SS Jessup Inc. in Honey Creek Iowa. He received further training, experience and education while working for both the Union Pacific Railroad and the Chicago North Western Railroad. He ended his career with larger railroad companies about 12 years ago, when he worked tirelessly and relentlessly to establish his own company, Jessup Diesel Incorporated. His company was started and is still based in Bismarck, North Dakota. However, three years ago, he was able to establish another shop in Beresford, South Dakota, where he also made his home.

Walt’s life journey was not without its struggles, it’s obstacles, it’s pain and it’s worries! The worst of which he suffered during the last two years battling cancer of the throat. This last battle was the worst for him because so much of what he did for a living and who he was as a person, was based on his ability to communicate. The throat cancer, which ultimately lead to extensive surgery on his throat and mouth, severely limited him. He struggled with this every day. Although the cancer made it difficult for him to communicate, you may also know this absolutely did not slow him down or interfere with his work ethic.

Walt’s greatest love was his Family. He loved his children and grandchildren absolutely. He was proud of all of them.

Walt loved his motorcycles. He started riding when he was just 10 years old. He often used riding his motorcycle as a form of release from the pressures of his work, besides being a source of great joy. His family will miss him, but are comforted knowing he was doing something that he loved at the end of his life.

Walt is the father of Christina “Dolly” Jessup (Tony Robinson) of Council Bluffs and Steven “Wotty” Scott Jessup of Bismarck North Dakota. He was the grandfather of Aubrie, Jayda, and Scarlett Robinson and Jayne Jessup. Walt is the son of Scott S. Jessup (Mary) of honey Creek Iowa and Judy Kilnoski (Bud) of Council Bluffs Iowa. Walt was brother to Dale J. Jessup (Dawn) of Maxwell NE. He was also a part of a large extended family with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He had many friends and long-standing business relationships that he greatly valued.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be at 2:00p.m. on Sunday July 15, 2018 at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00p.m. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Branson Cemetery.