Michael Scott Jesson

On Friday, August 7, 2026, Michael "Mike" Scott Jessen passed away in Petaluma, California, at the age of 74. Mike was a devoted father to his children, Michael "Mike" Jessen, and Teresa Tennison along with her husband, Scott Tennison. Above all, he cherished his role as a loving grandfather, taking immense joy and pride in being an active presence in the lives of his four grandsons: Adam Jessen, William "Will" Tennison, Michael Jessen II, and Charles "Charlie" Tennison.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, on December 13, 1951, Mike was the son of the late Charles and Harlene Jessen. He grew up alongside his siblings—Judy Moore, Susan Kaasa, Chuck Jessen, John Jessen, and Chris Jessen —with whom he shared an enduring, affectionate bond over the years.

The Jessen family relocated to San Francisco, California, in 1953, where Mike established deep roots anchored in family and community. He attended Longfellow Elementary School and St. Emydius School before graduating from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1970 and attending City College of San Francisco. Throughout his school and early adult years, Mike cultivated strong community connections through local sports by playing baseball, basketball, floor hockey, and co-ed softball, and later channeling that passion into mentoring and coaching younger generations.

Upon moving to San Bruno, California, Mike brought his commitment to community service with him, building strong local ties through youth athletic programs, such as San Bruno Girls Softball and San Bruno AYSO. He devoted more than a decade to San Bruno Girls Softball as a dedicated coach and mentor. His time coaching with the organization allowed him to guide young athletes while forming lifelong friendships and treasured memories.

Mike was proud to have built a 35-year career with AT&T, that began in San Bruno and eventually brought him to Sacramento, where he was a dedicated member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 9421 and forged many friendships that lasted throughout his life. Following his retirement from AT&T, Mike relocated to Petaluma and found immense fulfillment in spending time with his family, cheering on his beloved San Francisco Giants, playing bocce ball for the Marin Bocce Federation in San Rafael, and embracing his role as a devoted grandfather. Above all else, Mike truly lived for his four grandsons; being present for every game, practice, and milestone was the greatest joy of his life. Nothing made him prouder or brought a bigger smile to his face than simply being there to share in their everyday moments. Mike was also affectionately known as “Grandpa Mike” to many children throughout the Petaluma community. He was a constant fixture at baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields—cheering enthusiastically not only for his grandsons, but for all the young athletes in the extended family circle he built

Mike is survived by his children, Michael “Mike” Jessen and Teresa Tennison (Scott); grandchildren, Adam Jessen, William “Will” Tennison, Michael Jessen II and Charles “Charlie” Tennison; siblings, Judy Moore (the late Bill), Susan Kaasa (the late Ted), Chuck Jessen (Lauren), John Jessen (Shelley) and Chris Jessen (Steve), many beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws and many members within the Petaluma community, who he considered family. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Harlene Jessen.

Mike will be remembered by all who knew him for his warmth, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family. Though he will be dearly missed, the love he shared, the deep relationships he nurtured, and the cherished memories he left behind will live on in the hearts of everyone blessed to have known him.

Services:

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10am at:

Parent-Sorenson Mortuary and Crematory

850 Keokuk Street in Petaluma, CA

A Celebration of Life will follow at:

Rooster Run Golf Club

2301 E Washington St

Petaluma, CA 94954

Everyone who knew Mike, from all communities he was part of, is warmly welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin (Petaluma Club), honoring his lifelong dedication to supporting and mentoring young athletes in the community.