Beverly Jesse

Beverly Jesse, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in the afternoon hours of Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at Lincoln Village in Port Washington, where she was a resident.  She was 94 years old.

Bev was born on March 30, 1931, in Clintonville, the daughter of Alfred and Irene (nee Felshow) Kratzke.  

She grew up in Clintonville and graduated from Clintonville High School with the Class of 1949. She continued her education at Miss Brown’s School of Business in Milwaukee. 

Bev worked for many years as a secretary at Smith Bros. Restaurant and Smith Bros. Wholesale, but her greatest joy came from her role as a homemaker and, most importantly, as a devoted wife and mother.

On June 20, 1959, she married Danford “Dan” Jesse at Clintonville United Methodist Church.  

In 1968, the couple moved to Port Washington to raise their young family. In 1994, the couple retired and moved back to the Clintonville area, where they had built a new house.

Beverly was an active member of her community, attending Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Methodist Women. She was also a very active member in the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 147, where she made many cherished memories and friendships.  

She had a passion for knitting and cross-stitch, often gifting her beautifully crafted works to friends and family. Beverly’s warm heart extended beyond her household; she was an enthusiastic community volunteer, always looking for ways to lend a helping hand and bring people together.

Beverly is survived by her husband Danford and her three children, Julie (Jeff) Dornburg, Jolene (Robert Coontz) Jesse and Andrew Jesse. She is further survived by two grandchildren, Emma (Derek) Peiffer and Kenny (Emily) Dornburg, two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Brooks, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Irene and her sister Marilyn (the late Darrell Kasson).

Funeral services for Bev were celebrated on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, with visitation from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 6 p.m.  

She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Wisconsin Public Radio or Milwaukee Public Television.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Jesse family.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.