Irvin “Peskwanet” Jessepe, age 73 of Horton, KS passed away on June 16, 2021 on the Kickapoo Reservation. He was born on August 21, 1947, in Horton, Kansas the son of Paul and Julia Puckee Mijessepe. He attended St. Paul Mission School in Marty, South Dakota, he served as an alter boy during his time there. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1968 to 1972. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, where his hearing was damaged. He was a recipient of many honors and commendations. He retired as a Unionized Carpenter and worked at Whiteman Airforce Base in Nobnoster, Missouri for 27 years. He was enrolled Prairie Band Potawatomi, also an active member of the Potawatomi and Kickapoo Communities. Irvin was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching basketball and football, and during his younger days played basketball. He was often seen in gymnasiums and ball fields locally and throughout the Midwest region supporting Native American Athletes. He was a member of the Drum Religion and supported the Brown County Chapter of Native American Church. It was well known he was the unofficial cook of Pork Gravy…he had a secret recipe. Survivors include his brother, James Jessepe, Horton, KS. and four sisters, Adeline Horn of Parkville, MO., Nancy Smartlowit of Toppenish, Washington, Bertha Hale of Hiawatha, KS., Ruthann Ramirez of Mayetta, KS., and many nieces and nephews. He was adopted by the Maynard Potts family and has 2 sons and 2 daughters, Voncile Mitchell, Doris Potts-Zyganiuk, Eddie Potts and Lloyd Potts, and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Teresa Jessepe and Lois Thomas. Burial will be Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Mijessepe on the Kickapoo Reservation. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com
- Courtesy of Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary