Middle River - William Jesme, Jr., 58, died Friday, June 13, l997 at the Roseau Area Hospital.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 17 at 3 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Thief Lake, near Middle River with Rev. Arlan Lloyd officiating. Pat Hanson was the organist and Randy Larson, the vocalist. Casketbearers were Keith Jesme, Myron Jesme, Kenny Cwikla, Robert Tapa, Ken Grundhaus, Lowell Scramstad, Allen Kuck and Jack Tapa. Burial was at Our Savior's Church Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Collins Funeral Home.
William Alvin Jesme, Jr. was born March 19, l939 at Wannaska the son of William and Alice (Berg) Jesme. As a child, he moved with his family to Como township near Middle River where he attended school and grew to manhood. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Thief Lake. On July 22, l961, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Tapa at Wannaska. His various jobs in the area included hauling milk, working on construction, farm labor and bartending at the former Meadowbrook Ballroom near Middle River. He enjoyed fishing throughout the year and deer hunting with family and friends.
William is survived by one daughter, Lila (Jay) Mathieu of Thief River Falls; three sons, ElRoy (Tami) of International Falls, Edward (Michele) of Thief River Falls, and Matthew of Ely; six grandchildren; one brother, Floyd (Janis) of Thief River Falls; five sisters, Frances (Paul) Cwikla, Millie (George) Hill and Madelyn (Vernon) Skoglund all of Middle River, Beverly Lambert of Milwaukee, WI and Marion (Howard) Conkey of Troy, MI; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dwayne; and one sister, Evelyn.