Lester Ronald “Ronnie” Jesse, the son of Lester S. and Virginia (Woodworth) Jesse, was born on October 9, 1942, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska. He departed this life on February 19, 2023, at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, Nebraska.
Lester was baptized on October 20, 1942, and confirmed on June 15, 1958 at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska.
He attended Country School, District 124 in Sheridan County, Nebraska through the 8th grade. He then went to Alliance High School and graduated in 1961. After high school he attended trade school in Trinidad, Colorado where he studied gunsmithing. Later in life he returned to school at Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska and earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management.
Lester married Dorothy Ricketts on August 29, 1974, at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska. This union was blessed with the birth of one son, Frank, and two daughters, Ginger and Nicole. With this union, Lester also gained his bonus son, John.
During Lester’s life he lived in Alliance, NE; Malibu, CA; Kent, WA; Trinidad, CO; Central City, NE; Marquette, NE; Bruning, NE; and Deshler, NE. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hebron, Nebraska. He had many jobs over the years, including working the family ranch with his dad and brother Roy, Boeing aviation in WA, construction, and Bruning Grain and Feed until his retirement in 2003.
In his younger years, he showed cattle as a member of FFA and 4-H. Later, he became a member of the Jaycees, serving as Sergeant-At-Arms, Auto Club in Trinidad Co, Spurs Rodeo Booster Club in Alliance, and a lifetime member of the NRA.
He was an AVID model railroader (HO scale), loved to read novels of all kinds, enjoyed leather work, making belts, woodworking, and collecting belt buckles. He could always be found tinkering on something around the house.
He and his wife Dorothy enjoyed being on many bowling leagues, hosting card parties with friends and family, and spending time with their kids and grandkids. Lester also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Bear, going on trips with his brothers and sister, especially the Alaskan Cruise, and in his last months, having his grandsons, Mason and Seth, come over to visit and help him with various tasks.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Virginia, and his wife, Dorothy.
Left to cherish his memory are his children John Ricketts and wife, Sue of Monett, MO; Frank Jesse and wife, Sarah of Chambers, NE; Ginger Ridolfi and husband, Tim of Deshler, NE; Nicole Spargo and husband, Terry of Ponce de Leon, FL; grandchildren, Courtney Ricketts of St, Louis, MO; Samuel, Peter, William, and Michael Jesse of Chambers, NE; Hannah Massa and husband, Nick of Lincoln, NE; Natasha Dunn and husband, Trenton of Kearney, NE; Brittaney Hartley (O’Neal) of Lincoln, NE; Mason O’Neal and Seth Ridolfi of Deshler, NE; Jamie Lee Henderson, NC; Ryan Lee, KS; Shawn Lee, Amery and Lester Spargo of Ponce de Leon, FL; and great-grandkids, Kimberly, Atreus, Lucan, and Sebastion; siblings Roy and Phyllis Jesse of Hemingford, NE; Leah and Dennis Lambert of Columbus, OH; Sharyl Francke of Valentine, NE; Rick and Desirae Jesse of Murietta, CA; and many other family and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Hebron, NE, with Pastor Brian Faust officiating. Organist was Diane Smith. Congregational hymns were “In The Garden” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” Special music was “I’ll Fly Away.” Honorary casket bearers were Lester’s grandchildren. A family burial will be at a later date at the Bruning Public Cemetery. Memorials to the family’s choice to be designated later. Price Funeral Home of Hebron assisted the family with arrangements. www.priceurbauerahrendts.com.