Jesse W. Penrod, 76, of Champaign passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Illini Heritage in Champaign.

Jesse was born on April 20, 1946, Urbana Township in Champaign County.  Preceded in death; parents; Jesse F. and Violet P. Penrod, sister; Frances (Larry) David, brother-in-law Gerald Bloemker.  He is survived by his children; Anthony (Julie) Penrod of Schofield, WI and Russell (Cindy) Penrod of Kronenwetter, WI; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, sisters; Elizabeth Bloemker and Margaret (Edward) Smith.

Jesse loved to make people laugh, enjoyed movies, fishing (is an urban legend for catching a Sturgeon on Lake Wausau in WI), a retired laborer (who began working at the age of 8), had a big heart and will forever live on in our memories. 

Funeral Service is Tuesday May 17, 2022, at Freese Funeral Home in St Joseph. 302 E Grand Ave, St Joseph, IL 61873. Visitation is from 11:00-12:00 with a worship service to follow. 

The family would like to express a special thanks to all the nurses, CNA’s and staff at Illini Heritage Rehab & Health for their tender care of Jesse.