Jesse Lee Nordby

MADISON / COLUMBUS - Jesse Lee Nordby, age 48, of Columbus, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on February 28, 1977, in Madison, Wis., the son of Howard and Sue (Persinger) Nordby.

Jesse graduated from La Follette High School, class of 1994. On October 18, 2015, he married Sarah (Ellestad) Nordby at Harvest Moon Pond in Poynette, and they were together for 13 years.

Jesse spent the last 12 years working at Franklin Electric and in his down time he loved to ride his motorcycle, travel with his wife and stepdaughter, or sit home watching TV, mostly car shows. Jesse loved Grumpy (seven dwarves), Oscar the Grouch and Donald Duck. He looked grumpy, but once you got to know him, you found out he had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family.

Jesse fought cancer for nine years and never stopped working during all the treatments and surgeries. He never stopped being his funny and sarcastic self. In the end the cancer had spread so fast, no one would have been able to stop it.

Jesse was and will always be an amazing best friend, husband, stepfather and son. He will be severely missed.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughter, Alanna Crews; mother, Sue; cousin, Shashene (Julian Bethel) Bethel-Persinger; aunt, Tami Persinger; parents-in-law, Terry and Debbie Ellestad; loyal canine companion, Gus; and beloved cat, Sophia. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Nordby; maternal grandparents, Cassius and Grace Persinger; paternal grandparents, Harland and Edna Nordby; grandparents, Joyce and Edward Jabs; aunts, Nancy Nordby and Mary Persinger; and uncles, Gary, Donald and Lester Persinger, and Henry Jabs.

A celebration of life is being planned in the future.  Memorials in Jesse’s name may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420