Vernon T. Jesse's Obituary
Vernon “Vern” Theodore Jesse
Born May 10,1933
Went home to his Lord July 28, 2024
Vernon was born the eldest of 9 children to Aaron Theodore Jesse and Verna Violet (Brunette) Jesse on May 10,1933 in Seymour Wisconsin.
Vernon was a family man who loved his wife and children very deeply and never hesitated to show it. He was a generous soul, who, even when he had little to share, was always willing to extend a hand to family and friends in need.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and football season. The Green Bay Packers were his winter time passion, and he thoroughly disliked the Dallas Cowboys. Vernon never missed a game if he could avoid it. He grew up working on farms and with horses and always had a love for them. In his later years, Vern took up training them to run as pacers, and took his horses to the statewide fair circuit to race.
Vernon was a jack of all trades and spent his youth experiencing much adventure. Among many other things, he was a tree trimmer, a ranch hand, an accomplished gunsmith, a shoe maker, white washer, and a police officer. The greatest source of professional pride Vernon had was for the time he spent in the military. Vernon was enlisted in the Air Force just days before the Korean War broke out. While in the service, he became a jet engine specialist. There he taught the “new kids” how to troubleshoot and maintain the fighter jets that went overseas. He was honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment.
Vernon had a quick wit, a wry sense of humor, and he had what can be politely described as “a colorful vocabulary.” He loved a good joke and was quick to laugh; and while he enjoyed teasing those he cared for, he raised his children to understand that it was never okay to belittle others, especially those who may be less fortunate in any way.
Vernon used to say that he felt closer to God sitting in a lawn chair in his back yard than he did anywhere else. He said that God is everywhere and this is the place he could feel His comforting presence the most. He admitted that he was not a perfect person, and had his share of moments where he made mistakes, but his faith in God reassured him that his human failings would be forgiven. He knew he would one day be in Heaven with all of the loved ones who went before him. He instilled in his children a deep understanding of what it means to do the best you can with what you have, and be grateful for every little thing in our lives.
Vern was particularly enamored with his wife, Ethel, whom he met in late December in 1964. They were introduced by mutual friends in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and after only 6 weeks of courtship, they “tied the knot” While many believed that it would not last after such a short courtship, Vernon and Ethel were a true love-at-first-sight story. He and Ethel raised their 2 children and remained together for the rest of his life. Vernon and Ethel always managed to cling to each other while navigating the twists and turns that life sent their way. Together they built a life on a strong foundation of love and family.
Vern was a proud father and grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. Although time and distance separated him from many of them, he always carried a deep love for each and every one.
Vern was a good and decent man and will be sorely missed by those who loved and knew him best.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ethel Menila (Risch) Jesse, his son, Todd Jesse, his daughter Terre (Paul) Erdmann, his son Edward Jesse, his grandchildren Ryan Erdmann, Samantha (Baldemar)Erdmann-Reyes, Kristen Evensen, Brian (Amy) Evensen, Jarrod (Angela)Evensen, Patrick Evensen, as well as many great and great great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister Mary Ellen (Steve) Welch, his sisters-in-law Carole Jesse, Maria Jesse and Linda (Gary) Richardson, brother-in-law, Don McGowan, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friend Sarah “Sarah-bear” Ford, who stole his heart and became like a daughter to him.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Verna Jesse, his mother-in-law Lila Risch, his brothers William Jesse, Alan Jesse, Ervin Jesse, and Jerry Jesse; His sisters Nancy Eisch, Carol McGowan and June Magiary, and his daughters Leslie Jesse and Verna Evensen.
The Jesse Family would like to extend our love and thanks to the staff of Waupaca Eldercare for your wonderful care and patience in providing Vernon's final years with a lovely quality of life. We also wish to thank the Hospice team at ThedaCare Waupaca for their kind and compassionate care during Vernon’s final days.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Fellowship Baptist Church, N3548 County Hwy E, Waupaca, WI 54981. Pastor Rick Anderson will be officiating. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Vernon’s name to the Disabled Veterans Organization. The Holly Funeral of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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