Jesse Hall Morales, Sr., 84, passed away at home peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 surrounded by loving family. Jesse was born August 6, 1941 in Caseville, Michigan, the son of Rosalio and Luisa (NEE: Sanchez) Morales. On January 8, 1963 Jesse married the love of his life Sofia Avila in Waukegan, Illinois. Jesse worked at J.I. Case as a tool distributor for 27 years before retiring, though he continued working other part time jobs for several years. He was a member of UAW Local 180. Jesse was a devoted family man who enjoyed listening to Tejano music, tinkering in the garage, hanging out with his breakfast buddies at McDonald’s, buying lottery tickets hoping to strike it rich and taking care of hi grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time gardening, traveling, hunting and fishing. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, his kind smile, his jokes and how he would help anyone who needed it (unless you needed help to find something…there it isn’t). Jesse will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Sofia, his children Linda (Carlos) Nava, Rita (Mike) Rodriguez, Jesse Morales, Jr., Christina (Ron Kropidlowski) Morales, Teresa (Jesse) Sosa and Nicky Morales. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Kathy Rodriguez, Leticia Rodriguez, Vanessa Rodriguez, Brianna Rodriguez, Tara Mitchell, Grant Evans, III, Joseph Evans, Alejandro (Yaneli) Morales and Antonia Sosa, Elijah Sosa, Jesse John Sosa, Evangeline Sosa, twenty-six great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a brother Natividad, sisters Jane Serra, Maria Morales, Francisca Morales, special fur baby Chica the protector along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers Rosalio, Matias, Felipe, Joe and his three sisters Rosa, Luz and Rosa. Per Jesse’s request, private family services were held.
The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice and staff for providing the loving and dignified care of Jesse.