Millard R. “Jesse” Engelkins, age 71, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 10, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center with his loving family by his side.  To honor Jesse’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 St. Joseph Street, with Very Rev. Daniel Dellaert officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jesse’s family.

Jesse was born on February 24, 1953, in Clinton, IA, a son to Arthur and Alice (Sikema) Engelkins.  He spent some time in an orphanage in his youth and learned that life is not always what we want it to be, but rather how we react to what it is.  Jesse gained some farming skills while there and developed a love for animals and the outdoors which he carried throughout his life.  He went on to honorable serve his country for four years with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany primarily before returning home to begin his working career and start a family of his own.  He was a longtime member of the American Legion Dubuque Post #6 and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers at Lock and Dam 11 for over 37 years before retiring from there.  Jesse was proud of his time with the Lock and Dam and always maintaining his membership with the Narfe Federal Employees.  He always wanted to run his own business and thankfully was blessed to own and operate Jesse’s Lawn Mowing Service for another 26 years and even spent another year as a courier with Medical Associates before health issues arose and ended his working years abruptly.  Jesse was a self-determined man with a strong work ethic that never wavered.  The example he had set was as solid as his motivation for always giving his best.

Jesse was united to the love of his life, Shirley Klein, on April 23, 1983, at St. Joseph the Worker Church and the couple enjoyed many wonderful years together and had two children of their own to love and adore.  In his free-time you could generally find Jesse out for a ride on his Harley, testing the tune-up on his sports car, or testing his skills at the Blackjack table.  But, everyone who knew and loved Jesse always understood that his greatest joy in this life was his family.  Whether going out to dinner and a movie, squeezing a little traveling into his busy schedule, or even just playing with the grandkids whenever possible, in Jesse’s mind nothing was more valuable or important than the hours in which his family was right by his side.  It’s difficult to imagine moving forward without Jesse and the world we live in will never be the same.  The tears, heartache and brokenness we bear today can only serve as a heavy reminder of the love we were blessed to experience.  We pray that the Lord will help to comfort our spirit as He holds Jesse securely in His loving arms and only pray for peace throughout our remaining days until we can meet Jesse again in eternal perfection.  God bless you Jesse and thank you for bringing such love and light into so many lives along your journey among us.  

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jesse include,

his beautiful bride of 41 years,

Shirley Engelkins, Dubuque, IA;

his two children,

Jesse (Amy) Engelkins, Madison, WI,

and Jenna Engelkins, Dubuque, IA;

his two adored grandchildren,

Evelyn “Evie” Engelkins and Elizabeth “Izzy” Engelkins;

his brother,

Earl (Betty) Engelkins, Fulton, IL;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Nancy (Ron) Clark, Ardith Kohl, and Dale Engelkins.

Jesse’s family would like to thank Dr. Mohr, Dr. Kelley, the nurses and staff at Palliative Care, Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Healthcare Center, especially Peggy, Rachel, and Sheila, for all of their professional and compassionate care.  We would also like to express a sincere thank you to Nancy Germain and Mary Jane for all of their love and support during these difficult days.  You have all been like a second family to us over the years and we are forever grateful for all of your generous time and support along the way.  May the Lord be gracious enough to bless each and every one of you for your kindness.

God has you in His arms, and we have you in our hearts.  Love, your family.

Online condolences may be shared with Jesse’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com