Willaim Robert Jeske

William Robert Jeske, age 89, of Grants Pass, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014, peacefully and at home.

“Bill” as he liked to be called, was the son of William and Gertrude Jeske. He was born in Forest Park, IL on November 3, 1924, and raised in Chicago, IL. He had one brother who predeceased him. With the advent of World War II, Bill quit high school and joined the military. While in the Service, Bill was recognized as a Sharpshooter and earned a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and posthumously awarded the rank of Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. He was injured in France, fighting a German Panzer tank, and lost his left leg. After an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army in 1943, he returned to Chicago, where he earned his GED, and attended the Elgin Watch College.

He married his first wife, Mavis in 1947, she bore him son, Michael. In 1949 Mr. Jeske became widowed. Two years later he married his second wife, Jeanne Rhea at Crowne Point, Indiana, and the couple lived with their son Michael in St. Charles, IL until 1957 when they moved to Southern California. There, William worked as a fine cabinet-maker. In 1966, the family relocated to Colorado, settling in the Rocky Mountains in Evergreen, CO near Denver. Subsequently, Mr. Jeske and his wife Jeanne moved to Kalispell, MT. In 1990 they relocated to Grants Pass to be closer to their son, Michael, who practices law here. Jeanne Jeske passed away in Grants Pass on the Ides of March, 2011.

As long as he was physically able Mr. Jeske enjoyed gardening, remodeling his homes, making jewelry and spinning pottery. He was quite fond of taking his dog, Heidi, for long walks in the summer. He remains respected and well-loved by his surviving son and friends who will miss his smile and wry sense of humor. Donations in Mr. Jeske’s name are requested to be made to “Wildlife Images”.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Oak Lane Retirement Center. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.