Donavon Dean Jessie, 86, passed away November 1, 2026, at Emplify by Gundersen Health in La Crosse.
He was born on March 3, 1940, in Sparta, Wis., to Leonard and Evelyn (Parlow) Jessie. Donavon lived the majority of his life in Melrose, Wis., until moving to Sparta in his later years. Upon graduating from Melrose High School, he farmed with his parents on their family farm.
On April 12, 1959, Don married Nancy L. Miller at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Melrose. The couple farmed with Donavon’s parents for a brief time before renting to the Leo Bell farm in Melrose. Later, they purchased the farm where they raised their three sons.
Donavon loved horses. The couple and their family spent several years on trail rides, participating at Gymkhana Horse Shows with their saddle horses, and in later years, attending their grandchildren’s rodeos.
Later in life, Donavon raised Percheron Draft Horses, proudly showcasing them in parades and at local fairs, where they earned numerous awards. His passion for draft horses extended beyond raising and exhibiting them, as he was also a member of the Percheron Draft Horse Association and a certified draft horse judge. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise by judging at various fairs.
He served as director and president of the DHIA board and Holstein Association Board and served on the Melrose-Mindoro School Board for six years.
After the sale of their farm, he worked various jobs including logging with his draft horses, working for the Melrose-Mindoro School District, hauling milk from farms, and lastly, direct ship transporting.
Donavon and Nancy enjoyed snowmobiling in their younger years and four wheeling in the later years. They traveled to many western states, sharing spectacular views and making unforgettable memories. Above all, he loved the time he spent with his family, especially his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Donavon held a deep faith and cherished his relationship with the Lord. He was an active member of New Life Assembly of God in Sparta.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy L. Jessie; two sons, Scott Alan Jessie (Laura) and Danny Ray Jessie (Danette); four grandchildren, Sheena (Skyler), Tanner (Katie), Danna, and Dane (Macy); six great-grandchildren, Kacen, Brecken, and Rylen, Raylin and Quinn, and Joshua; sister, Jane Blaken (Larry); sister-in-law, Sharon Anderson; brother-in-law, Dean Aleckson; and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Gene Jessie; infant brother, Dennis Jessie; and sister, Marlene Aleckson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., November 13, 2026, at New Life Assembly of God, 720 Avon Rd., Sparta. Rev. Randy Williamson will officiate. A private burial will be held in the Melrose Cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service, Nov. 13th at the church.
Arrangements are being handled by the Fredrickson Funeral Home of Bangor. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com
Fredrickson Funeral Home
