Jesse G. Elizalde

Jesse G. Elizalde, 86, of Monticello, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at White Oak Health Campus.

He was born on June 21, 1937 in Chicago to the late Joseph and Hattie (Martinkus) Elizalde.  On August 18, 1956, he married Lucille "Lucy" Leckner in Chicago.  She survives.

Jesse was a graduate of Gage Park High School in Chicago.  He worked as Assistant Manager of Jewel Food Stores in Chicago for four years.  He then worked as Assistant Manager of Pinecrest Dairy in Chicago for six years.  He was a union steward for Milk Drivers Union Local 753 in Chicago for eight years.  He served in the Illinois National Guard Reserve.  He helped organize the youth football program in Riverdale, IL.  He was president and volunteer member of the Riverdale Fire Department for ten years. Jesse moved from Riverdale, Il to Monticello in 1968. He purchased Twin Lakes Dairy in Monticello in 1968 and became a distributor for Deans Milk Co. After one year, he began to distribute for Prairie Farms Milk Co.

Forty-two years later he sold his business to Prairie Farms Milk Corp.  During those forty-two years of running his business, he also did the following:  was president and coach for little league baseball in Monticello, was manager of the little league all star team at Logansport, was chief umpire of little league baseball at Monticello, managed girls 7 & 8 year of softball team for two years and won 1st place with their team in Monticello both years, helped Larry Crabb, Ron Drake and Dr. Abbott organize the Monticello Youth Football Program. He coached the Monticello Dolphins football team for three years, managed the Babe Ruth baseball teams, was president and manager of the Babe Ruth All Star team at Crown Point. He was a past member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion and Good Fellows.  

Jesse enjoyed the music of Elvis and the Rat Pack, so... regrets, he had a few, but his greatest accomplishments were marring his beautiful high school sweetheart, Lucy of 67 years and having five wonderful kids, many grandkids and more great grandkids.  "I did it my way!!!"

In addition to his wife, Lucy of Monticello, he is survived by three children, Sherry (Kevin) Barker of Morrow, OH, Scott (Brenda) Elizalde of Monticello, Kristie (Ken) Lane of Monticello; twelve grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by sons, Randy and Ricky Elizalde; siblings, Albert and Esther; and one grandson.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am (EST) until the time of funeral services celebrating Jesse's life at 1:00 pm Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello.  Deacon Michael Booth will officiate services.

Burial will follow in Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the White County Council on Aging.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com