Maria A. Jesse

Maria A. Jesse (Schultz), age 78, of Menasha, passed away peacefully at her home on October 7, 2024. Maria was born on December 18, 1945, to Russell Schultz and Ann (Gazzillo) Schultz in Appleton, Wisconsin. On January 28, 1967, Maria was married to Allen Jesse in Appleton.

Maria spent most of her life as a mother and a homemaker. As her girls grew-up she started volunteering with Special Olympics and The Arc of Neenah-Menasha. She was a gentle soul and found her joy through this volunteer work. She loved to travel and became a tour companion for individuals with special needs. She would eventually retire from Clarity Care where she worked as support staff in an adult family home. Through all her travels her favorite place to visit was Door County to view the lighthouses and she never passed up an opportunity to visit with her special friend Barb.

Maria is survived by her two daughters, Tammie Jesse, Oshkosh, and Karen (Aaron) Kuckuk, Greenville. Maria was especially proud of her two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Madison Kuckuk. She treasured her role as grandma and always made time for the girls. She made sure there was always ice cream in the freezer and the keys were on the key hook.

She is further survived by her sisters, Gerri (Don) Burton and Barbara DuFrane; brother, Francis (Carmen) Schultz; siblings-in-law, Gary Schuelke, Ethel Jesse, Carole Jesse, and Mary Ellen (Steve) Welch; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Jesse; parents, Russel and Ann Schultz; sister, Marlene Krueger; brother, Russell Schultz; brothers-in-law, Jim DuFrane, Tim Krueger, Ervin Jesse, William Jesse, Jerry Jesse, Vernon Jesse; and sisters-in-law, June Magiary, Nancy Eisch, and Carol McGowan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Home Assisted Living for making mom part of their family and the amazing care they showed her. We also would like to thank Bristol Hospice for their support and compassion.

A memorial visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 527 N. Superior St. Appleton, WI 54911. A memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Maria will be laid to rest with her husband at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery in Pulaski, WI at a later date.