Celebrating the Life of
Jesse Penfold
July 2, 1981 — January 9, 2024
Services
Wake/Viewing
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern Time
WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 784 Main St., East Aurora
Funeral Service (In-Person)
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time
WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 784 Main St., East Aurora
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Dad showing Jesse the dirt diggin ropes, early on!
Our thoughts & prayers are with all the Penfold family. We were so shocked & saddened to hear the news. May many memories & love remain in your hearts & help ease some of the sadness that you are feeling. Sending lots of love.
My family and the Penfold family have been friends and connected for at least 75 years. I knew Jesse as a baby, all of us would get together and have play dates when we all had small kids, and he grew up to be in outstanding young man. He never had a bad word for anyone, and I’ve never heard anyone speak anything but great things about him. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed. Sympathy and condolences from the heart to his family from the Schenne family.
Jesse was a spirit I will never ever forget. His great big laugh would echo no matter where you were!! He helped my mom and built us the most beautiful rock patio around our deck and pool, that now will serve as a gentle reminder of the wonderful touch Jesse has left in this world. That and so much more. Sending the most love to all of you during this time.
Jesse, Kate, myself and his friend Jeremy at Griffis sculpture park. This is the first time I remember ever going there and I always think of it as a happy family memory. Dad was telling us all about skipping school and going there as a kid. I have gone back there a lot through the years something makes me feel like I was chasing the memory of that day or maybe it’s because Jeremy was there with us and he was gone just a short few years later. I hope you two are together, listening to music, playing in the mud and doing what you boys used to do. Love you
This photo is from one of Jesse’s visits to our skatepark job site in Ellicottville. He helped us out by hauling out some excess dirt from the bowl which he was able to use on a job he was doing down the road. The crew was always stoked any time he rolled by and he was just as fired up to check out the project and help out. He was in his element and has that skid steer dancing and the truck loaded in no time flat! He had the ability to lighten up the workday any time he rolled by and will be missed by the whole crew.
This is the speech that was written and read at Jesse’s memorial service by his sisters Kate Webber & Abigail Penfold; ABBY: Thank you all for coming to say farewell but more importantly to celebrate the life of our brother, Jesse Jason Penfold. He was a son, a brother to us, a friend to many, an uncle, a husband to Sarah and eventually became a proud father to Alora and Josie. We were fortunate enough to experience these transitions in his life and be influenced by him throughout our own lives because of course we always looked up to, and protected our big brother, Jesse. Today we would like to share some memories and stories about him from our childhood and paint you the picture of who he really was. KATE: Those of you who knew him, knew that he was a true Penfold in the way that he loved anything & everything that had a motor in it! I remember sitting with Jesse at the Lego table spending hours building, as he would run back and forth to the window every time he heard a loud truck passing by the house on 240. He loved riding on my dads tractors and heavy equipment, spending lots of time up at the shop tinkering and learning. He had a real passion for hard work, taking on many labor jobs and later operating heavy equipment in local 17, digging in the dirt that he loved! ABBY: Jesse had many nicknames, “Jesse-Duke or DUKE!”, being the most memorable, given to him by his friends after the character, Uncle Jesse Duke from the old Dukes of Hazard tv show. We used to watch him race cars with his friends at Freedom and Holland Speedway, and I remember crossing my fingers for good luck, hoping for a win. As a family we learned to ski together at Tamarack and when Jesse got older he worked down the road at the big time resort, Kissing Bridge making snow. He knew I was already very interested in snowboarding so instead of using the season pass for himself he signed it over to me, what a great big brother! That’s who he was, he was a giving, caring person who loved to make others laugh and had a contagious laugh himself. He was seven years older than me so the punchline of many jokes often went over my head but that didn’t matter, I would just wait for Jesses characteristic laugh, cueing me to crack up. KATE: His laugh, was so memorable, how could anyone forget that! Almost every heartfelt comment that I have read online mentions it. I had gotten so used to his explosive laugh lighting up a room, I imagined that everyone must have a family member like this but that was his special trait! He was a story teller, an entertainer, loved to socialize and he would be overjoyed to see everyone here today. Jesse could make the most boring of stories come to life, with his impersonations, sound effects and exaggerated expressions. He would often entertain us by making up songs and basically singing at my sister and I, while we were “supposed” to be concentrating and doing homework. ABBY: I would often barge into his room and he would let me stay and listen to his wide array of music, play video games and hang out with him and his friends, even though I was his kid sister. He was always looking out for his younger siblings, cousins, friends you name it and was great with kids as he was a big kid himself! Jesse was a gentle giant, he was a nurturer, loved to garden and had quite the green thumb similar to our mom and relatives on the Michels side. We always thought in another life he might have been a farmer like our ancestors. It is very fitting that he made his home in the countryside with Sarah where he could have a large garden, tend to the land and live a version of the farm life he always identified with. KATE: As our uncle Russ Michels wrote, “Jesse did lots of good for people around him and people whose path he crossed daily, weekly, and monthly- whether they asked for help or not. He was willing to get up when knocked down and keep moving forward even if it was in a new or uncharted direction, he was truly a Good Citizen of the World. He loved his family, wife Sarah and his little girls; Alora and Josie and now it is our duty going forward to tell his stories and keep Jesse’s memory alive. Thank you again for being with us here today.
Words can't explain about how bad I feel about Jesse leaving us so soon. The day he asked if he could name the baby Jeremy if it was going to be a boy I told him it an honor if you want to do that. I hope you and Jeremy are together now being the good friends like you were in life.
Jesse Penfold was such a unique and special person!!!!! Every encounter was memorable!!! He had a larger than life personality and a laugh to be heard for miles!! He made sure his friends and family were loved and appreciated! He was a constant ray of sunshine no matter what the situation! He was as loyal as a family member and friend that anyone could ever ask for!!!! Realizing all of this and writing it down is absolutely heart breaking!!!
I am Jesse's uncle and Godfather. One of the "godfather responsibilities" in the Michels family is to provide suitable Christmas Gifts for the godchild. As Jesse became a teenager, and toys (trucks) were no longer suitable, I asked his mom "what might Jesse want for Christmas?". (Sidenote: Jesse knew good music...in this photo with his grandpa, he's wearing a Robert Plant/Jimmy Page T-Shirt.) In 1991, I asked his mom what might Jesse want for Christmas; she said he wants the CD "Nevermind" by Nirvana. I thought I knew everything about modern music, but I scratched my head and thought; "who the heck is Nirvana, and why is there a swimming naked baby on this album cover??" But, I gave it a listen, and Nirvana grew on me fast. Jesse was right. Now, Nirvana's "MTV Unplugged" remains one of my all-time favorite rock CD's. Thanks Jesse for your music insight!
Jesse in 1992 at his grandmother's Lake Roberds fishing cabin. When in the Midwest ...fish like a Midwestern!
Jesse on Smokey, Grandpa Michels leading the way.
Jesse with his Grandpa Michels. Probably not as thrilling of a ride as he had later in life with golf carts, race cars, etc., but it was a start. Jesse always had an interest in family history, so I enjoyed talking with him about that in the limited times we were together. From reading other comments and hearing stories, it is clear that Jesse had a kind heart and was eager to help others in need.
So very proud of how hard Jesse worked to make Eagle Scout! He loved being a Boy Scout. 💕
Grandpa Michels, Cousin Katie, and Jesse
Jesse and Jeanne at Kate's wedding.
The cousins.
Grandpa Michels and Jesse upon our arrival in Brainard for one of our great Michels Family Vacations. So thankful that all our parents made it a priority to go to graduations, Iowa, and other adventures together.
Met Jesse while racing at Freedom and Holland Speedway back in 2000. As each week passed we found ourselves racing nose to tail and side by side often. That led to conversations in the pits and I quickly learned that he was a really good guy. He often complimented me on my car as I was in the sign and graphic business. I told him if he wanted I would design him a paint scheme and do some lettering for him and he was thrilled! It wasn’t long after that we completed the design and lettering over at his garage and I fondly remember how thrilled and excited he was seeing that number 81 Ford Mustang looking so good!! I remember telling him as we raced I was admiring my lettering as we went around the track!! We both laughed about that afterwards!! So the hard racing continued each week and the conversations post races were always filled with smiles and fist bumps. Sometimes he’d finish ahead of me and me him but it didn’t really matter. We had fun out there and if he was ahead of me at the end the first thing he’d ask was where did you end up and I said right behind you buddy!! He raced hard and clean as did I and we both knew each time out we could trust each other and it was great to compete like that. After the 2003 season I had moved out of state and lost touch but about a year ago we connected on facebook and we caught up and shared some laughs. He mentioned he’d gotten married and was doing great. To hear he had passed away was such a shocker as I’m sure it was to all. Im so very thankful to have known him and shared the times we did. Jesse was indeed one of the good guys and I will remember him fondly.
I can't think of a time when Jesse wasn't smiling.
Jason with his first born - Jesse.
When we convinced my mom the walk to the eternal flame 🔥 was not a bad walk.
You will be very missed. When you would just come hang out at my moms.
Celebrating at a friends wedding
Grandpa Michels Horse Barn in Iowa - 2003
Jesse & Sarah’s wedding
Family photo at Jesse & Sarahs - 2023
Jesse & Mother at Tony and Barbara’s wedding
Jesse, Sarah, Alora
So sad to lose such a fine, talented and ambitious young guy. I personally admired Jesse also because we both were interested in the history of West Falls and the railroad. My sincere sympathy to Jason, Jeanne and all his family. He had SO MUCH to offer to a world that desperately needs people like him.
So sorry for your loss Abby, Thinking of you and your family.
To my friend Jesse and the Penfold family. Jesse was such a wonderful soul and I was honored to know him. Although we didn’t see each other often, he was always super kind and happy to catch up. You will be missed and I’m so happy to have had a beer and couple slices of pizza with you a couple months ago. It was great to catch up and I am truly sadden by this sudden loss. My thoughts are with your family. Rest easy my friend and much love to the Penfold family.
Dear Penfold Family. We send our deepest regret and hope you will find comfort in the coming days. Although we only met Jesse a few times we were blessed to have met him. Jason and Jesse were working for us a couple years ago. When Jesse came to drop off and pu equipment he took the time to entertain our grandsons and allowed them to operate the excavator and skid steer to their delight. That was just the kind of guy he was, taking joy in what he was doing and sharing it with others. The world needs more people like that Our deepest condolences Tom and Joanne Rommel North Boston NY
Sarah Alora Josie Jeanne Jason Kate Jared Sage Vander & Abigail ~ Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength are with all of you…Love from your Iowa family. Theresa & Lee and family
I am So Sorry for Your loss Jeanne. My Prayers are with You and Your Family.
Sarah we are so sorry to hear of your loss god bless you and your girls
Worked with Jesse & was a great guy. So sorry to hear about this. My condolences to his family.
My condolences to the Penfold family. Met Jesse back in the 90s hired him at the ski area (Tamarack) always eager to work and never complained. God bless, gonna miss him!
My condolences to the Penfold family and Jesse’s wife and children- so heartbreaking. Jesse was a wonderful neighbor, friend and brother. Very saddened by this news.
Jesse buried our horse in mid December. His outstanding work ethic was clearly visible. The community lost a great guy too early. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Was fortunate to have been able to work with Jesse a short Time ago. Spent the entire day each telling story’s of the family’s connections. He will truly be missed by so many, I am sorry for your loss.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. so sorry for your loss.
Kate , so sorry for losing your brother . Keep the memories for you and your family .
Heaven has gained another angel, you will be missed, rest in peace Jesse.
Jeanne, I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. Prayers of comfort for you and the family. May he Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear this, Jesse was my best friend in kindergarten and known him ever since. Great guy and will be greatly missed.
I’m gonna miss you Jesse, you were one of the good guys! My heart goes out to your family.
Jeanne, Jason and all the Penfold Family, My Sincerest and Heartfelt Condolences on Jesse’s passing.
The Pizza Glen sends the whole family our deepest condolences. Jesse was a very kind, special person. Very sorry for your loss.
Jesse will ALWAYS be remembered for being the most helpful,hardworking,and caring person anyone could ever know. He was there for my own family at a time where we needed shoulders to lean on. My heart absolutely breaks for Sarah and their beautiful daughters. Jason and Jeanne~he was a son anyone would be proud of! Kate and Abby~ your brother was so proud of you girls! We can all hear his laugh echo in our hearts forever. I am so sorry for this terrible loss and I am sending so much love.
Words cannot express how sad we are to hear of the loss of Jesse. We watched him grow up with our boys - they sure had a lot of adventures on the “junkyard road”. His laugh was so spontaneous and contagious. We will miss him. Sincere condolences Jason, Jeanie and the whole Penfold family.
I'm so heartbroken for you all. Jesse was easily one of the nicest funniest people on earth . I have fond memories of him through our high school years. He was one of those people that truly just made you smile and his smile was contagious. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all. I'm so very sorry ... Seanna Crosby (Biggs)
My love, thoughts and prayers are with the whole Penfold family. God bless you all. Stay strong. Stay safe and remember he was a great guy he’s gonna be missed call I love to all of you.
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