Jesse B. Montenegro

JESSE B. MONTENEGRO Jesse B. Montenegro, age 83, of Wellington, Kansas, was born to Hermenegildo and Manuela (Ledesma) on June 5, 1942, in Sharon, Kansas. He and his family moved to Wellington when he was four years old, where he lived until his death. Jesse lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving a lasting impact of humor, love, and faith on his loved ones and his community.   Jesse served in the United States Air Force for four years, being stationed at March AF Base in California. Returning home to Kansas, he worked a couple of years at Boeing Aircraft before entering employment with the United States Postal Service as a window clerk and in various other positions for 38 years before retiring in 2005. A part-time job for over 60 years, but always full-time in his heart and soul, was farming. Through the years of tending fields of alfalfa and wheat, he always had animals: cattle, horses, pigs, goats, turkeys, guineas, chickens, and always a faithful farm dog or two. His Catholic faith was a significant part of his life. Jesse was an active member of St. Anthony St. Rose Parish as a Lector and Usher. He was also involved in the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Wichita for over 30 years, where his faith continued to grow and he met what he considered many good friends across the diocese. He is reunited in death with his parents, siblings Basilisa Lopez, John Montenegro, Mary Reyes, Frank Montenegro, and four siblings who died in infancy. Jesse is survived by a large and loving family.  His wife, Pam, of 55 years, Daughter Denise (Michael) Garner of Athens, Texas, and sons Mark (Angela) Montenegro of Belle Plaine, Brian Montenegro of Wellington, and Andre Montenegro of Tomball, Texas.  Grandchildren: Alexander (Yander) Garner, Nathan (Monica) Garner, Elizabeth Montenegro, Adrianna Montenegro, Tyler Montenegro, Melody Rinehart (Trey Cary), and Aleena Rinehart.  Great Grandchildren: Addis Schieferecke, Elise Garner, Lucia Garner, Henry Garner, and Myles Cary.  He is also survived by his siblings Angel Montenegro, Carmen (Rudy) Ramirez, Dolores Warrell, Cecilia (Ephraim) Izaguirre, Esther (Peter) McDermott, Helen Marshall, along with brother-in-law Henry Reyes, sister-in-laws Judy (Ted) Gayok, Debbie Dean (Dave Banowetz), Becky (Tom) Forcht, and Laurie (Scott) Schrimer. Along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and the love he shared with us. Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 5:00 pm Sunday, November 9, 2025, with a Visitation to follow from 5:30-7:00 pm, and a Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 am. All three events will be held at St Anthony & St Rose Catholic Church, located at 210 North B Street, Wellington, Kansas, 67152. Memorial donations may be made in Jesse's memory to the National Kidney Foundation. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home. We invite you to share your memories, leave condolences, or sign the digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Your pictures, stories, and words of comfort will serve as a gentle reminder of Jesse's funny, creative, loyal, and witty nature. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.