Jesse Mendoza

Jesse Mendoza, 80, of Moline, passed away Thursday January 30, 2025, at his home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Wednesday February 5, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Private burial will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.

Jesse was born on March 9, 1944, in Rock Island, IL, to Pedro and Julia (Rivas) Mendoza. He married the love of his life of 58 years, Tilli (Rivera) Mendoza on November 25, 1966, in Rock Island. Jesse was a proud U.S. Veteran, having served in the Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966. His favorite enlistments were in Okinawa and Quantico, Virginia. Jesse worked and retired as an electrician for John Deere for 35 ½ years, including his apprenticeship and graduation from Black Hawk College after 4 years.

Jesse loved sports, he was a wrestler in his younger years, and he coached wrestling and other sports for 15 years with the Dad’s Club, John Deere Middle School, and Moline High School; also coaching flag football. Jesse was an avid runner with the Cornbelt Running Club. His family was everything to him, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jess enjoyed traveling with Tilli to many cities, including San Francisco, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and Maui; visiting 34 states and several countries.

Survivors include his wife, Tilli; son, Jeff Mendoza; grandchildren, Brent Mendoza, Jacob Mendoza, Katlyn (fiancé Patrick Henry McGuinn) Mendoza; great grandchildren, Brayden Mendoza, Faith Mendoza, Merida Mendoza, Christian Mendoza, Luca Pizzo, Nash McGuinn; siblings, Tony Mendoza, Richard Mendoza, Lupe Ashby, Margaret Day, Carmen McGuire, and Mary Jo Ramirez; as well as many friends, nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Mendoza and daughter, Stephanie Mendoza; brothers, Frank Mendoza, Joe Mendoza, and David Mendoza; sisters, Connie Ashby, Beatrice Ybarra, and Celia Wilkerson.

Tilli and Jeff would like to thank Jess’s Doctors: Dr. N. Kukhar from UnityPoint, Dr. Pothula, and Dr. Acosta from CVM, and the UnityPoint Hospice Nurses for their compassionate care.

Special thanks to all of the family, friends, and neighbors who have reached out for their love and support during these tough times.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.