Jesse Zeise

Jesse Jerome Zeise, 43, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, following a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer. He was born in Green Bay on October 6, 1981, at St. Vincent Hospital to Barbara (Olson) Hilgenberg and Frank Zeise.
Growing up, Jesse loved playing football, skateboarding, water sports, snowboarding, collecting lawn ornaments, taking skiing trips with family and friends, camping at Harbor Village, lighting off fireworks, creating art and music. He attended De Pere High School, class of 2000. In his early twenties, Jesse was the singer of the band Death Perception. Jesse had the most generous heart and was always there to help a family member or friend in need.
Following high school, Jesse started his passion and began his career as a tattoo artist. He has made his mark on the world for the past 26 years through his creations, with the last 15 years owning his own shop, Darkside Tattoos by Jesse Zeise. His dedication, creativity and imagination were out of this world.
On February 7, 2020, on their seventh anniversary, Jesse married his best friend Jenna Ruth Fry. Together, they shared years of love and created a family like no other. Jesse and Jenna first met in 1997; when their moms were in a card club together, that was the beginning of their destiny. Above all, Jesse loved spending time with his wife and children! Whether it was cheering the kids on during sports, or teaching them how to build a birdfeeder, sharing his love of Star Wars, taking vacations (especially to Disney World), beating them in Monopoly or Mario Party, showing them what "Real Music Is!", how to chop wood and build a fire, watching football all day on Sundays, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Transformers marathons at least once a month, planting a garden, or creating a beautiful masterpiece of art. His love for his family was unmatched.
He will be remembered for his love of living each moment of life to the fullest, for his love for his wife, children, family and friends, his funny movie quotes; "Yeah Dude", "Duderino", "It's a trap", "Get to the chopper", "The only prescription I need is more cowbell", and so many more. He had the most bodacious outlook of living life to the fullest. The art he has created will live on through so many loyal clients, friends, and family, as well as his paintings and carpentry as they will forever be cherished by many.
He is survived by his wife, Jenna; children, Janelle, Xavier, and Stark; His loving pets, Luna Lovegood and Lemmy the Hutt; Parents, Barbara (Daryl) Hilgenberg, Frank Zeise; Grandmother, Beverly Zeise; Siblings, Eric (Kelly) Zeise, Christopher Hilgenberg, Elizabeth Hilgenberg, Nikki (Mike) Ahlborg; and sisters-in-law, Megan (Linda) Fry, Emily (Alysha) McClain, Katie Fry; nieces and nephews, Ella, Lilly, Anna, Jay, Oakley, Juniper, Arlo, and Ashton; many aunts and uncles; and beloved friends.
Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents, Curtis and Barbara Olson, Jerry Zeise; Jenna's parents, Jim, and Jan Fry; Uncle, Stephen Olson; and nephew, Aidan Hammer Fry.
Family and friends may visit on Monday, May 19, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere. Visitation will continue at Old St. Joseph Catholic Church, 123 Grant St, De Pere, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Michael Brennan, O. Praem. officiating.
The family would like to extend special thank you to the many amazing doctors and nurses who have been so compassionate, Dr. Bedi and Dr Guntipalle and the entire team at Bellin Cancer Team, especially his favorite RN, Adam, and the staff of Unity Hospice, and Froedtert Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for Jesse's children.