William Ralph Jess
January 16, 1940 - September 13, 2015
Obituary
STOUGHTON/MADISON-William R. "Bill" Jess, age 75, of Stoughton, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at Stoughton Hospital. He was born on Jan. 16, 1940, in Green Bay, the son of William and Rachel (Pratt) Jess. Bill graduated from Madison East High School and was a member of the U.S. Army reserve. He married Bernadine Jacobson on May 21, 1960, in Madison. Bill worked as a store manager at Kohl's Food Stores in Milwaukee, Beloit and Madison for 37 ½ years, retiring in 1999. At each store, he could always be found at the front end bagging groceries and greeting customers. Bill felt that the customer's last experience would stick with them and he wanted to make sure it was the best it could be. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Bill enjoyed traveling with Bernie, watching Thoroughbred horse racing, camping, and volunteering at Christ Lutheran Church, Stoughton Hospital, RSVP, and Dane County Humane Society, but his greatest enjoyment was being with family, especially his grandchildren. William is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bernie; children, Bill (Sharon) Jess of Stoughton, Robert (Lisa) Jess of Orfordville, and Barb (John) Iverson of Stoughton; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Melanie, Michael, Sarah, Alyssa, Joe, and Katelyn; brother, David Jess; brother-in-law, Philip Leaf; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Blanche Leaf; and his sisters-in-law and their spouses. A celebration of Bill's life will held at the BENUSHI'S BAR AND GRILL (BBG) – upper level, 800 Nygaard St., Stoughton, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson
(608)873-4590
Events
Celebration of Life
Mon Sep 14, 2015 @ 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM CDT
Banushi's Bar and Grill (BBG) • 800 Nygaard St., Stoughton, WI 53589
Photos
No photos of William have been shared yet.
Memories
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Susan Miller
Other •
To this day, Bill still remains the best boss I've ever had during my 50+ years of employment. I had the good fortune to work side by side with Bill at the Kohl's grocery store on University Ave for five years in the late 1970s. To me, Bill was a mentor and a friend. He would do anything to accommodate his large number of very loyal customers. He demanded the best from his employees but his sometimes gruff exterior masked his "heart of gold". I mourn his passing and those who knew him well have lost a special friend. I offer my condolences to his family.
Susan Miller (then Susan Burke)
TS
theresa severson
Other •
As a customer at the Madison Kohl's store, I do remember Mr. Jess. He was always kind and would take a few minutes and talk with you. My condolences to Mr. Jess' family and friends.
RH
Richard R Hoffman
Other •
Bernadine & family. Bill was a truly caring and compassionate man. May God give you strength to continue on with wonderful memories of him.
Richard R Hoffman
Stoughton RSVP Coordinator
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Sid and Pat Hanko
Other •
Our sympathy to Bernie and family. He was one of the good guys. Will always remember his smiles and hearty laughter. Sid and Pat
DP
Diana peterson
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with Bernie and family. I started working with Bill when I was only 19 years old. Many times he was like a father to us . He was tough when he had to be but he was also funny and kind. He loved his family with a passion. I still remember him talking about Bernie ,racing ,and grandkids. I repeat so many of his sayings., almost 30 years later. To this day, he is one of the best bosses I've ever worked for. Rest in peace Bill. You will always be remembered. ~ Diana Peterson
DC
Dorothy Christenson
Other •
My first memory was when I met Bill when shopping at Kohls on University Ave. He was always cheerful and courteous . Wonderful customer rapport!! Enough so that even though I didn't see him again until 2000 after his heart surgery and he needed UW Home Health RN care . I went in to see him and it was " I know you!". He had made that much of an impact. Everyone loved Bill.
I have last known him when he came to my Rehab Unit at Skaalen . Again I immediately recognized him and was honored he remembered me. Unfortunately , life changed for him and he needed to stay at Skaalen long term until he passed . He was one of the kindest , most positive attitude men I've known . Absolutely devoted to Bernie. Always dignified and courteous. Our staff were very sad and teary when he passed. I wish his family well .and please know we also miss him.