Jeffrey E. Jestus

Jeffrey E. Jestus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died Wednesday, December 1 at his “river house” in Hennepin, IL. He was 73 years young. Born to parents James and Vailey Jestus, Jeff was raised in Stewartville, MN with his four brothers and sister. At the age of 12 he found what became his life’s work of woodworking, when he started out sweeping floors at a local cabinet shop, eventually growing to become a master cabinetmaker who could make anything you could dream up. Jeff attended Stewartville High School where he met and fell in love with Jann (nee Putney) who he married on June 26, 1970. Jeff and Jann raised four daughters together, moving from Rochester, MN to Aurora, CO, Wheeling, IL, and finally finding their perfect riverfront retirement home in Hennepin, IL. Jeff loved to garden, host family reunions, and cook for his family and friends, but his real passion was for collecting American Flyer model trains, which he started collecting as a young boy. He was also a member of the VFW 6180 in Port Richey, FL. His love for life and good conversation brought him many great friendships. Jeff died peacefully in his home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.

Jeff is survived by wife Jann; daughters Kelly, Vailey and husband Jason, Julie and wife Taryn, Lisa and husband Ted; grandchildren Aidan, Meghan, and Audrey; brothers, Mike and Jon; and sister, Judy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey E. Jestus, please visit our floral store.