Jesse Stratton, known to many as the mild-mannered, incredibly tall, totally awesome father of two, had a playful spirit. Few realized he embodied the heroic UltraMagnus from the Transformers universe, bringing joy and adventure into the lives of those around him. By day, he worked at Ashley Furniture, and by night, he was a devoted family man who filled his home with laughter and love. When faced with the relentless challenge of ALS, a formidable adversary that tested his strength and resilience, Jesse confronted it all with an unwavering smile, and a spirit of determination and hope that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jesse Stratton, 41, passed away peacefully at his home on October 10, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Though his loved ones mourn the loss of a life cut far too short, they take comfort in knowing that his battle with ALS has finally come to a close.

He will be avenged by his remarkable children, Eloise Reyne and Wesley Rey.

Born on August 22, 1983, in Ottumwa, IA, to Susan and Rick, Jesse moved to Holmen, WI, at the age of three. His childhood was filled with adventures alongside his best friend, Kyle, from battling imaginary foes with sticks to summer trips to Iowa, where he watched horror movies with Grandma Shirley and “worked” at the bar with Grandpa Jess before joining them on their journey to Nebraska to visit Grandma and Grandpa Stratton.

As Jesse and Kyle grew older, their escapades evolved to sprinting through Target until they were kicked out, as well as countless raucous car rides and gaming sessions. After graduating high school, Jesse began his career at Ashley Furniture, starting on the production line and eventually becoming an engineer. He formed lifelong friendships while “working” on line 12—where somehow, none of them got fired—and bonded with his eclectic group of engineering colleagues, who provided unwavering support during his final years.

In 2003, Jesse met the love of his life, Diana. They purchased a tiny house on Legion Street in Holmen, just a block away from his childhood home, which Jesse devoted countless hours to turning it into their dream home. Eager to start a family, he welcomed their daughter Eloise in 2013 and son Wesley in 2015. Those who knew him often remarked, “He is the best dad,” and indeed he was. Jesse happily spent hours playing dolls, wrestling, dressing up as a princess, instigating nerf wars, getting his nails painted, and always ensuring their home was filled with laughter, joyful screams, Transformers, and millions of LEGO bricks.

For those lucky enough to know him, they enjoyed years of lively conversation and wildly competitive rounds of video games and Magic the Gathering. Jesse loved to travel with his favorite people—all trips planned around fancy food adventures. Only months before his ALS diagnosis, he and Diana cherished a long-delayed honeymoon in Italy, enjoying daily espresso, gelato, and “big” pizza. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community at the benefit on May 20, 2023 – forever Jesse Stratton Day – the family was able to take an unforgettable cross-country road trip from Yellowstone to Niagara Falls, packing a lifetime of memories into one summer.

Jesse is survived by his beautiful wife, Diana; his two perfect children, Eloise and Wesley; his parents, Susan and Rick; and his beloved dog, Saracen. Although he was an only child, his cousins Hailey Olsen and Kenzie Parcel were nothing short of typical little sisters, happy to endure tickle torture, getting stuffed into garbage cans, or literally anything to get his attention. Jesse’s family grew exponentially upon meeting Diana at the age of 19 with a seamless addition of four more rambunctious siblings to torment: Alaina Nelson, Ally Beck, Jonny Hatch, and Billy Reynen. His in-laws, Kathy Roth (Steve), Russ and Fanci Reynen, included him as part of the family even from the beginning of the loud-music-Camero-driving days. He also leaves behind a community of friends and family far too numerous to list. He is preceded in death by his furst babies, Stella and Hannah, as well as his grandparents: Shirley & Jess Parcel and LeRoy & Greta Stratton.

He will be deeply missed and leaves a legacy of enduring any obstacle with steadfastness and calm. He was known for always playing the cards he was dealt with skill and humor.

Jesse Stratton was a true original, never defined by expectations, and deeply loved by all that knew him. 

Our deepest gratitude goes to so many Gundersen staff including Trisha, Kelly and Song, Melissa, Dr. Leone, Nate, Max, Alec, 6th floor med/onc crew and RTs, Cameo, Dalton, Mary, Dr. Larry, and so many others for their endless patience for Diana’s questions and their loving support through this journey. A special thank you to Diana’s Auntie Anne for connecting us with amazing resources at Gundersen and being our laundry superhero; the Barbour family for entering our lives at the most serendipitous time and building the most fabulous ramp; and the outpouring of support from the School District of Holmen – the students, the staff (especially our HMS family), everyone – we are so thankful for you all. We are incredibly thankful for the generous gifts from our loving community especially the League of the Ridiculous, Diana’s Grandmother Alfreida Roth, Kyle’s parents – Leif and Pam Nelson – who were like parents to Jesse through all of their shenanigans.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 12:00-4:00 pm at Coulee Region Cremation Group 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI 54650. Bring your cards, boys!