Memorial
Jesse Chavez, 84, of Hiawatha, went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2018 after a long-term battle with heart failure. He was born in Cedar Rapids, to Joseph and Lucille (Lopez) Chavez on September 9, 1934.
Jesse began working for the railroad, until he joined the Marine Corp and served during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from Korea Jesse again worked for the Milwaukee Railroad, until their departure from the area, when he then began working for the city of Cedar Rapids Street Department. Jesse married the love of his life Diana Draper in 1963. Together they raised three children. He spent most of his time outdoors, feeding his friend Rocky the squirrel, gardening, and enjoyed reading his Western’s. Family was very important to Jesse, he enjoyed time with his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a proud Grandpa!!
Jesse is survived by his wife of 55 years Diana; children, step-son Bryan McConnell, Christal (Jeff) Henderson, Sonya (David) Payne; grandchildren, Kalissa (Adam) Krapfl, Brandon (Jena Anderson) Overman, Jesse (Madeline Lyons) Overman, Nicole (Dominick Castle) Payne; great-grandchildren, Mason Kelm, Maddux Krapfl, Theodore Krapfl; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday December 19, 2018 at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, 4200 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday December 20, 2018 at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.