Tribute

Kenneth Edward Jesse; January 3, 1933 - March 23, 2025; Dr. Kenneth Edward Jesse, born January 3, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on March 23, 2025, in Bloomington, Ill. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to education, family, and service. A devoted scholar, Ken earned degrees from the University of Illinois (B.S. in Engineering Physics), the University of Wyoming (M.S. in Physics), and Arizona State University (Ph.D. in Physics). He was a full professor at Illinois State University, where he also served as the Radiation Safety Officer and Secretary/Treasurer for Sigma Xi and as a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Over his distinguished career, he authored six physics textbooks and numerous Journal Articles and was deeply committed to both teaching and learning. Ken proudly served in the U.S. Navy, spending much of his time in Guam as a Communication Technician. Utilizing the G.I. Bill, he pursued higher education, shaping a career that influenced many. Beyond academia, Ken was known for his sharp wit, love of storytelling, and sometimes slightly off-color humor. He enjoyed his dogs, traveling, hiking, camping, music, and brewing beer. A skilled craftsman, he could repair or build nearly anything. He was famous among family and friends for his apple and pumpkin pies and apricot bread. He had a fondness for ice cream and he never passed up the opportunity for a sweet treat that could be covered in whipped cream. Ken was also a passionate but less-than-expert hockey player and golfer, always enthusiastic despite his self-professed lack of skill. A child of the Great Depression, Ken learned the value of hard work early in life, starting by selling newspapers on the streets of Chicago in third grade. That self-made, industrious spirit remained with him throughout his life. His love of science was not confined to the classroom as he often engaged in calculus and scientific experiments for fun. He had an uncanny memory and an appreciation for being precise and in his memoir "My First 35 Years" he ends his story with "We all lived happily ever after". And so we will. No services are planned at this time as he is donated to science. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to NPR, WILL Champaign, IL or the Humane Society of Central Illinois.

Friends & Family

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Leah Radulescu. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Helen McArthur, whom he met at the U of I in German class and married in 1959; daughter Lynn Fewkes (Doug); son Ralph Jesse (Gale); grandchildren Brian Jesse (Stephanie), Ben Fewkes, Maclyn Fewkes, Sam Fewkes, Rachel Radulescu, Anna Radulescu, and bonus granddaughter Alena Lancaster; and great-granddaughters Kyndall and Wrenley Fewkes. He is also survived by his sisters, Pat Anderson (Roger) and Kathy Legner (Lin).