Posted Yesterday At 11:44am
With deep love and sadness, we share the passing of Jesse Alan Madoche, 53—a beloved son, loving father, grandfather, friend, and true outdoorsman whose life was grounded in family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for nature. He passed away surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to him. He leaves behind a legacy shaped not only by what he built with his hands, but also by the memories, lessons, laughter, and love he freely shared with his family. To know him was to know someone who could build anything, fix anything, and figure out a way to make something work. Whether he was working with wood, tools, engines, mounts, demo cars, or whatever project someone brought his way, he took pride in doing things right. He was creative, resourceful, and talented in a way that seemed effortless. If something was broken, he could fix it. If something needed to be built, he could build it. He brought remarkable detail and pride to everything he touched. His talents were also reflected in his work. Jesse spent many years at Palmer Johnson Yachts as a carpenter foreman, where his eye for detail and skilled hands were part of the craftsmanship he brought to every boat. Later, he worked at CenterPointe Marina as a marine technician, continuing to share his knowledge, skill, and wood working ability to fix just about anything. Jesse was happiest outdoors, surrounded by the woods, water, and quiet peace of nature. A passionate hunter and fisherman, he found joy in every season—from the stillness of the woods to the excitement of a buck in the distance to the pull of a fish on his line. Hunting, fishing, sturgeon spearing, and time spent in the woods or on the water were more than hobbies; they were part of who he was. He shared these traditions with his family, creating stories that will be told for generations and passing along a deep appreciation for patience, hard work, and time spent together. There will be many more fish in the surrounding waters, a thought that brings both a smile and a tear. As a talented taxidermist, Jesse had a special gift for honoring the animals he worked with, bringing them to life with care, artistry, and remarkable realism. His passion showed in every detail, reflecting the pride and respect he put into his talent. He also found great joy in the excitement, noise, and carnage-filled fun of demolition derbies, where his love for engines, craftsmanship, and controlled chaos came alive. He won many derbies, and those who watched him compete felt proud to see his dedication shine through in his hard-hitter awards and trophies. He found deep satisfaction in working with his hands and lived a practical, meaningful life full of stories, laughter, and moments his family will carry with them. Strong, determined, hardworking, and full of humor, he left a lasting impression on everyone around him. Jesse leaves behind memories that will continue to bring comfort, pride, and love to all who knew him. Most of all, he loved his family. He was proud of them, protective of them, and always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or teach by example. His love showed through the things he did: the projects he completed, the repairs he made, the time he spent outdoors with those he loved, and the memories he helped create. Jesse will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Though his hands are now still, the things he built, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on. His legacy remains in his family, in the traditions they carry forward, the skills he passed down, and the love they share with one another. It lives on in every cast of a fishing line, every walk through the woods, every project completed with pride, every smash of a demo car, and every story told in his memory. His spirit will be felt in the wind moving through the woods, in the tall antlers of the bucks, and in the fish that fill the waters. Each time the trees sway or a line is cast, those who loved him will feel him near. He is survived by his parents, Glen and Kay (De Clark) Madoche; his daughter, Rebecca (Adam) Franda; and his grandson, Henry Franda. He is also survived by his beloved life partner and best friend, Jill Hendricks, who was always by his side and shared his love of the outdoors, demolition derbies, and many cherished memories, along with her children, Arissa, Jarrett and Jordan; an uncle Jeff and cousin Jeremy Madoche. He is further survived by his former wife, Holly Vandertie (Jandrin), with whom he shared many years, countless memories, and the unbreakable bond of raising, and always treasuring their daughter, Rebecca. Nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Louis, Sr. and Clarice (Buzzo) De Clark, his paternal grandparents, Alan and Betty (Claflin) Madoche, as well as many aunts and uncles. Visitation for Jesse will be held on Thursday evening, October 1, 2026 at Forbes Funeral Home, 319 W Spruce St, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday morning, October 2, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church, N8726 County Line Rd., Dyckesville, from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Rex Palaya. Cremation will follow services and Jesse will be laid to rest at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made for a memorial fund to be established. The Forbes Funeral Home & Cremations, Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy and memories may be shared with Jesse’s family on his memorial page at www.forbesfuneralhome.com.