Roger Jepsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Jepsen
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Jepsen in 1983
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| United States Senator from Iowa |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Dick Clark |
| Succeeded by | Tom Harkin |
| 38th Lieutenant Governor of Iowa | |
| In office January 16, 1969 – January 18, 1973 |
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| Governor | Robert D. Ray |
| Preceded by | Robert D. Fulton |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Neu |
| Member of the Iowa Senate | |
| In office 1966–1968 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Roger William Jepsen
December 23, 1928 Cedar Falls, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | November 13, 2020 (aged 91) Bettendorf, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Dee Jepsen |
| Alma mater | Arizona State University |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1946–1947 1948–1960 |
Roger William Jepsen (December 23, 1928 – November 13, 2020) was an American politician. He was from the state of Iowa. As a Republican, he served in the United States Senate. He also served as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.
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Early Life and Education
Roger Jepsen was born on December 23, 1928. His hometown was Cedar Falls, Iowa. His parents were Emil and Esther Jepsen. All of his grandparents came from Denmark. Roger went to public schools in Iowa.
He attended the University of Northern Iowa. Later, he graduated from Arizona State University in 1950. He earned a bachelor's degree there. In 1953, he received his master's degree from the same university. While at ASU, he was part of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Career in Public Service
Jepsen joined the United States Army as a paratrooper. He served from 1946 to 1947. He was also in the United States Army Reserve from 1948 to 1960. He reached the rank of captain. Before politics, he worked in farming, insurance, and health care.
Roger Jepsen began his political career locally. He was a county supervisor for Scott County. He held this position from 1962 to 1965. Then, he became a state Senator from 1966 to 1968.
Lieutenant Governor of Iowa
From 1969 to 1973, Jepsen served as the 39th Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. He was elected with Governor Robert D. Ray in 1968. This role is like a vice-governor for the state.
United States Senator
In 1978, Jepsen was elected to the United States Senate. This was a big surprise. He won against the person who was already in office, Dick Clark. Jepsen received strong support from a group called the National Conservative Political Action Committee (NCPAC).
He served one term in the Senate. His term lasted from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1985. During his time, he was a co-chairman of the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee. This committee looks at economic issues for the country.
His fellow Republican politicians praised him for an important action. Jepsen helped convince President Ronald Reagan to end a ban on agricultural sales to the Soviet Union. This was important for farmers.
In the 1984 Senate election, Jepsen lost to Democratic Congressman Tom Harkin. After his time in the Senate, Jepsen continued to serve. He became the chairman of the National Credit Union Administration. This agency helps oversee credit unions.
While in the Senate, Jepsen sat at the Candy Desk. This is a special desk in the Senate chamber. It is filled with candy for senators to share.
Death
Roger Jepsen passed away on November 13, 2020. He was 91 years old. He died at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa. He was buried in Davenport Memorial Park in Davenport, Iowa.
See also
In Spanish: Roger Jepsen para niños
