Dessie Jean Ibanez

Dessie Jean Ibanez, 86 years old, lived her early years in Elmore, MN and later years in North Mankato, MN. She passed away March 8, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Patton Funeral Home, Blue Earth. A time for visitation will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Patton Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Blue Earth.

Dessie was born to Arlene Rippentrop and Harold Larsen October 8th, 1939 at home. She married the love of her life, Jose Luis Ibanez (Pepe), December 2, 1961 in Duluth, Minnesota.

Dessie lived a life centered on caring for others. She worked many years as a nurse in long term care and hospice care, compassionately supporting patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Her career reflected the deep kindness and empathy that defined who she was.

Throughout her life, Dessie held many roles and experiences that reflected her strong work ethic and adventurous spirit. She worked as a cocktail waitress at the officer’s and NCO club, a radio station, McDonald’s, a pizza restaurant on an Air Base. She also provided in-home childcare, always creating a warm and welcoming place for others.

Dessie had a creative heart and expressed her love through making things for the people she cared about. She enjoyed sewing, making her own patterns for her daughter’s clothes, cheerleading outfits and traditional German dresses and making tie blankets for everyone. She loved to decorate and enjoyed working in her or anyone's flower beds or creating beautiful pots with plants. Dessie was happiest when she was creating or sharing something she had made. Her love language was giving. She was famous among family and friends for her homemade treats, including her incredible fudge, homemade pudding, spaghetti, and comforting soups. Every holiday she would out do herself decorating and baking. Every Christmas we cannot forget the over-cooked sugar cookies and how she would blow up the mixer making divinity. Dessie loved animals and had a gentle heart for them. She took in countless strays providing them with a wonderful place to call home. She also enjoyed simple moments like gathering with family and friends.

Dessie was a proud military wife, mother and grandmother, supported the military community and was involved with organizations including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Retired Military Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. She also loved to travel. Dessie was fortunate to live in 2 countries, visit 6 others and explore 33 states, creating memories and experiences that she carried throughout her life.

Dessie was known to have a sense of humor. She could be witty and was notorious for the following sayings: “Right On, I’m fine, It’s my allergies, It’s quiet, Really, I have no clue, I’m bored, I’m agile, I have long legs and arms, I don’t want to leave the girls, I have always been thin, I just cut out the bread, I have post nasal drip/ drippy nose, You kids are too emotional, It’s a treat, It’s just the way it is, you always have room for ice cream it melts between the cracks.”

More than anything, Dessie will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, generous friend, a woman who showed her love, kindness through the countless things she did for others every day. She never met a stranger and no matter how bad things seemed, she could always find something good within it.

Dessie is survived by her daughter, Dessie Martinez Ibanez; son, Jose Luis Ibanez, Jr.; daughter, Donna Ibanez Baker (Lyle); daughter, Maria del Carmen Mooney (Todd); 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; her brother, Dean Larsen; and sister, Ruth Hargrave.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Jose Luis Ibanez, Sr.; her daughter, Barbara Ibanez Homan; son, Antonio Carlos Ibanez; son in-law, Fernando Martinez-Roa; her parents and grandparents.