Joseph Grant "Sao nem ki" Jessepe, 66, of Mayetta, KS passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016 at his home. He was born December 9, 1949 on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, the son of Leroy J. and Constance (Magnauck) Jessepe.

Joseph graduated from Manhattan High School in 1967 and had attended Kansas State University. He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1974. He was a member of the Native American Church and served as president of the Delia Chapter. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Joseph served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Decorations such as Medals of Commendations and Campaign Medals include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign with 1960 device, Marksman (M-14), 1 O.S. Bar, Expert (M-16, Combat Infantrymen's Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart Medal.

He worked for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation as a Community Health Representative for over 20 years.


Joseph married Rosanna Whiteskunk, they were later divorced. He married Mary Greene in October 1992 on the reservation. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 3 daugthers, Leslie Marshno and Jacquelyn Levier both of Topeka, KS and Jodi Jessepe of Mayetta, KS; a son, Andrew Joseph "A.J." Ortega of Topeka, KS; 2 sisters, Theresa Murray (Robert) of Poplar, MT and Imelda Jessepe of Mayetta, KS; a brother, Charles Lewis of Kansas City, MO; 8 grandchildren, Sydney Jessepe, Sylvana Levier-Jessepe, Ivan Levier, Alyssa Levier, Aislen, Arrow & Justina Jessepe and Lorraine Jackson and 1 great-grandson, Frankie Snell.

Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Sister Therese Klepac Hall with visitation to follow. Native American Church Services will be Thursday evening, February 18, 2016 at Joe's home. Burial will be Friday afternoon in Shipshee Cemetery.