Vernon John Jesse, affectionately known to many as Hank, died peacefully on June 6, 2025 with family at his side. 

Hank was born on May 9, 1934 in Argonne, Wisconsin to Roy and Lela Jesse. After graduating from Crandon High School in 1952, he moved to Milwaukee where he spent the next couple of years before joining the US Army. Hank was very proud of his military service and genuinely loved his country. After military service, he returned to the Milwaukee area and worked as a machinist until retiring from Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation in 1995. 

In the spring of 1960 he met Jean Wendelberger and they soon found lifelong love. They married on April 29, 1961.  They were blessed with three children, Ann (Tom) Schwabe, Vern (Barbara) Jesse Jr and Patty (Scott) Butzer, as well as eight grandchildren, Joe Schwabe, Andrea (Will) Dowling, Ellen Jesse, Jack Jesse, Erica Jesse, Kyle Jesse, Scott Butzer Jr., and Drew Butzer.  Hank was very proud of and profoundly dedicated to his family, setting an example of how to live one’s life in an honest, respectful and sincere manner, while never passing up the opportunity for a hearty laugh and the enjoyment of all that life offers.  

Hank’s beloved wife Jean suffered a debilitating health event in 1986, but that did not stop Hank from his dedication to her. He served as her most important advocate and loyal supporter until her death in 2009.  He then lived the last 16 years of his life enjoying his family and his enormous network of friends in Wauwatosa, often at his local tavern Walter’s On North,  and near his cottage in Northern Wisconsin.  He spent his last 14 months at Franciscan Place in Brookfield where the incredible staff assisted him as needed. During that time he was still able to enjoy life with frequent visits with family and trips to Walter’s. Hank was very fortunate to have relatively good health and remarkable mental acuity until the last two weeks of his life. 

Hank is survived by his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren, as well as his brother John ( Punky ) Jesse, and sisters Ginger (Steve ) Alexander and Janet ( Wayne ) Hintz. Hank is further survived by his brother-in-law Chuck ( Sue ) Wendelberger and brother-in-law John ( Mary Jane ) Wendelberger, and many nieces and nephews and other extended family and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents Roy and Lela, brother Roy, sisters Barbara, Karen and Jill and other relatives and friends.   

The family would like to thank Dolly, Darcy and Bobbi, whose dedication enriched his life in his later years; the wonderful staff at Franciscan Place; and Legacy Hospice. 

Visitation will be held at St Pius X Catholic Church, 2506 Wauwatosa Ave,  in Wauwatosa, starting 10:00 AM on Tuesday June 10, 2025, followed by Catholic Mass at 12:00 Noon and interment thereafter at Holy Cross Cemetery.  The family encourages all to join them at Alioto’s 3041 N Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, starting at 2:00 PM for food and beverages, and hopefully many classic stories to celebrate Hank’s life. 

Donations may be made to St Pius X Catholic Church, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Franciscan Place in Hank’s name.   

“I lived a pretty great life, tried to treat people fairly and honestly,

and was a proud American”                

-Hank