Jesse Lee Case
March 21, 2008
Jesse L. Case, 56, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2008. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m.
Jesse was born on July 28, 1951 in Des Moines to James Edward and Vivian L. Case. He was a passionate outdoorsmans, he found peace in fishing and mushroom hunting. He created beautiful gardens in his homes and throughout Des Moines. His heart will always be felt in everything he touched and created. He was happiest when he was along side the love of his life, his wife Rita, when he was helping people, and when he worked with his hands. He diligently and wholeheartedly dedicated 30 years to the City of Des Moines as a groundskeeper at cemeteries.
Rita remembers the moments of joy Jesse and her created together, and the faith, companionship, understanding and blessings they shared in their marriage. He lived for moments spent with his children and grandchildren, filled with jokes and love. His family will fondly remember his quick wit and good-hearted nature, and the amount of love and selflessness that he showed to those around him.
Jesse was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian L. Case. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Rita; father, James; three brothers, James Jr., Jerome and Joseph; sister, Judy Rumbaugh; son, Kenneth; daughter, Milisa Schultz; two stepchildren, Brian and Kristen VanValkenburg; Shannon and Matthew Chute; eight grandchildren, Jesse, Zachary, Evan, Austin, Drew, Giuliana, Elisabeth and Brian, Jr.; and his lifelong friend, John Woolson. He will also be missed by numerous friends and colleagues that he touched throughout the years.
The Rupe Family
03/27/2008
Rita and Family,
We wanted to take this opportunity to say Thank You for a lovely memorial service for Jesse I think he would have loved it. We would also like to express how much we will all miss Jesse he touched many life's. I thought he was a very respectful man. We were not apart of family one. We were in family number two we loved Jesse for many things I wished he and my mother could have worked out their indifferences but they did not and they moved there separate ways. No disrespect to you, your family and the life that you shared with Jesse. We just wanted to take a couple of minutes and talk about the things that our family shared with him. We called him big Daddy J (because of his size) He could tell lots of stories. If you caught a 2 inch fish he would say he caught one twice as big. I think it was the art of conversation that interested him. And being able to keep the lines of communication open. We loved him for his friendship, his cooking and his love of the outdoors. He made the best garlic burgers we teased him at Thanksgiving and Christmas because of the stuffing he made it was sage stuffing loaded with parsley that stuck to our teeth and made them green. He also made the best damn chocolate cake it needed no frosting. His other specialty was pineapple upside down cake it was very good too but the chocolate cake was my favorite. We laughed when he told us he used to date Tanya Tucker we also laughed when he dance he danced like no one was watching it was a joy to see as he liked to see people smile. I think he said and done those things to my us happy. He loved fishing, mushroom hunting, playing darts or pool and sometimes over indulging in beer. He loved to go hunting with Richard and Hope as Richard was his best and life long friend. They would bring the deer back to the house and clean them. I thought it was gross but if you could see thier excitment. But all and all we think he was a great man. I truly believe today his family one was in shock and grieving heavily from their lose as well as your family was I could hear it when your daughter and son spoke. I am sure each of Jesse's dad brother's and sister and kids could and would share many stories as well if you let them into your hearts and life. And maybe you could share yours with them. I will pray for you and your family that you will recover soon from your tragic lose as we also try to recover from ours. God Bless and Take Care Sincerly
Christy Case
03/25/2008
I would like to express my heart-felt sympathy for the loss you are experiencing. To Melissa, Kenny, and the rest of the family as well, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to hear about Jesse's passing, especially at such an early age. I have not seen him in many years but I do know that he was proud of his family, and especially proud of his children. As with all "Case" men, he was stubborn and spirited, but the hardened exterior always melted with the smile of a child.
I am sure he is at peace with God, watching over us all, and walking through the gardens with Grandma.
Christy
grace blythe
03/24/2008
To the family of jesse, I am so sorry to hear of jesse's sudden death.
My heart felt sympthy.
Rest assured he is in a better place, and feel no pain or sorrow.
May God bless and be with you all.
grace,bill,linda, and anita