Ethel M. Jesse's Obituary
Ethel Menila (Risch) Jesse
Born January 12, 1942
She went home to her lord on January 31, 2025
Ethel was born the older of the 2 children of Lila Nellie (Davis) Risch on January 12, 1942 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin
Ethel was raised by her single Mother, who shared with her the gift of love and faith. She had a radiant smile, loved to laugh, and possessed a kind and gentle heart. Ethel believed in forgiveness and acceptance without judgment and did her best to never hold a grudge. Her warm, generous soul inspired those in her life to be a better person, do the right thing, and to never give up.
Ethel had a gift for music and was a wonderful singer. She found great joy in sharing her gift by singing in her church choir. She would often sing around the house with her husband, Vernon and her 2 children.
She enjoyed camping and fishing tremendously (and was even known to hunt deer). Ethel particularly enjoyed a good campfire along with the occasional glass of wine, sloe gin and OJ or brandy old fashioned. She was known for her amazing cookies and was affectionately dubbed “the cookie lady” by members of her church and her neighbors. Ethel enjoyed puzzles, cross stitch, board games, and embroidery. She was a very gifted seamstress. She liked reading, as well as watching movies, (mostly Hallmark style movies and science fiction). She was a big fan of Star Trek, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones.
Ethel met her love of her life, Vernon Jesse, when they were introduced by mutual friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They met in late December of 1964, and only 6 short weeks later, on January 23, 1965, Ethel and Vernon were married. They remained married until Vernon's passing in 2024. They spent 59 years as husband and wife, and together they built a life and family on a strong foundation of love. They worked hard to navigate the ups of downs of marriage, and together the couple embraced all that life had to offer them. They raised their 2 children in a warm home filled with laughter and devotion, and most of all the strength that comes from faith and love. Ethel was a dedicated Christian. This was reflected in the compassionate way she treated her children, her husband, and all of those who crossed her path throughout her life.
Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love and gentility. Her beautiful smile, kind heart, and strong comforting hugs will be missed by all who knew her.
Ethel is survived by her son Todd Jesse and her daughter Terre (Paul) Erdmann, her grandson Ryan Erdmann (special friend Carley Brenner), her step-grandchildren Samantha (Baldemar) Erdmann-Reyes, Kristen Evensen (special friend Austin Hinnenkamp), Brian (Amy) Evensen, Jarrod (Angela) Evensen, and Patrick Evensen, as well as many great and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Linda (Gary) Richardson, her sisters-in-law Carole Jesse, and Mary (Steve) Welch, her brother-in-law Don McGowan, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ethel also leaves behind her dear friend Sarah (Isaiah) Ford, whom she loved as one of her own.
Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Jesse, her mother, Lila (Davis) Risch, her Father-In-law, Aaron Jesse, and her Mother-in-law Verna (Brunette) Jesse, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Alan Jesse, Maria Jesse, Ervin Jesse, William Jesse, Jerry Jesse, Nancy Eisch, Carol McGowan, June Magiary and Curtis Magiary. Ethel was also preceded in death by her step-daughter Verna Evensen.
The family wishes to thank the Resident Assistants at WECH for the loving care they provided to Ethel during her final years.
Visitation and services to be held at:
Fellowship Baptist Church
N3548 County Hwy E
Rev. Rick Andersen officiating
Saturday March 8, 2025
Visitation from 9:30 am -11:30 am
Service to begin at 11:30 am
Interment to be held at a later date
St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Lessor WI
In Lieu of Flowers, a memorial has been established in Ethel's name for St. Judes Children's Research Hospital
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