Jesse Cardenas Jr.

1940 - 2024

Jesse Cardenas Jr.

May 17, 1940 - February 2, 2024

Atwater, California - It is with great sadness that the family of Jesse D. Cardenas Jr. announces his passing to join the Lord after a long illness.

Jesse was born in 1940 in Merced, Ca. His parents were Jesus Cardenas and Beatrice Fiol Cardenas. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Albert Cardenas, his sisters Gloria Rubalcava and Aurora Guiterrez, and his daughter Rosemary Cardenas.

Jesse grew up in Livingston with his parents, two brothers and two sisters, and attended local schools. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Cardenas; his brother Joe Cardenas; his son Michael Cardenas (Dawn); their two children Isabel and Ethan, his daughter Rosemary's children; Sara (Julio), Monica, Nicole, and Danielle; and four great grandchildren (Mateo, Julian, Andres, and Mary). Jesse also has an extended family with Marilyn that includes 4 children; Kym Hudson, Tom Ruckman (Michele), Julie Harrington (Chad), and Rick Ruckman; eleven grandchildren; Tanner (Erin), Taryn (Sean), Taylee, Rocky Jack, Torie (Matt), Shey (Laurie), Sydney (Jalen), Zane, Jaeger, and Rylin; and five great grandchildren (Owen, Kallan, Decker, Wren and Crew).

Jesse's faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Atwater.

Jesse worked a large part of his life, beginning at 10 years old, for Gallo Farms. He also worked for Pickering Lumber Company in Yosemite. He worked for the Dehydrator Co. in Livingston area and then worked in farming before going into the Army.

He served his Country honorably from 1963 to 1965 and then four years in the reserves. He was stationed in Ft. Ord and later in Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs. He served in the 1st. Battalion, 10th Infantry, 5th Division as a gunner for the 4.2 Mortar. He was later promoted to Sergeant and became a squad leader.

After serving in the Army, he worked for Merced City Schools for 28 years retiring as the Head Custodian at Chenoweth School.

Jesse loved the outdoors and enjoyed many years of camping and hiking with family and friends. He loved traveling, the beach, and the mountains. He always said he felt so lucky to have visited more than 10 countries, something he never dreamt he'd be able to do. He and Marilyn enjoyed trips to France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, England, Scotland and Ireland. The most important trip that they had was a trip to the Holy Land. Jesse would say that was the greatest experience in his lifetime. He always felt blessed to have had such opportunities, and he reminisced often about their travels.

Jesse had many long-standing friendships and enjoyed entertaining friends and family at home. His backyard was his pride and joy. Enjoying the outdoors as he did, he took great pride in his yard and all that he created to make it like a park for all the children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He enjoyed his many projects at home and appreciated the simple things in life.

He will be remembered and deeply missed by everyone. A Rosary and Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Church in Atwater on February 22, 2024, starting at 9:30 am, burial will follow at 1:30 pm at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to cancer research in Jesse's memory.