Obituary of Jesse Gallardo

Jesse Gallardo was born in Paris, Texas, on October 18, 1922. He was one of three sons born to the union of the late Manuel and Mary (Rives) Gallardo. Jesse married the love of his life, the former Mary C. Ramirez on December 15, 1941 in Crystal City, Texas. For many years he worked as a migrant worker and as a truck driver. Jesse and his young family settled in Erie, Michigan in 1954. For nearly forty years he would work at Tecumseh Products as a welder and assembly person. Jesse retired in 1987. Jesse also worked for five years promoting Mexican bands and dances around Michigan. Jesse was an avid Detroit Tiger and Detroit Lion fan. He loved to play rummy and spend time with his family and friends. He was a member of Erie St. Joseph Catholic Church. Jesse age 90 of LaSalle passed away at home on Saturday, June 22, 2013. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a son: Jesse Jr.; two grandsons: Jesse Lopez and Homer Shields II; two brothers: Felix and Louis; three sisters: Otilia, Virginia, and Felicia. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife of more than seventy years: Mary of Erie; ten daughters: Helen Lopez; Linda Gallardo, Marylou (Joe) Flores-Briones, Phyllis (Homer) Shields, Virginia Bijarro, Margret Jeko, Anita Alvarez, Rosemary (Jerry) Narew, Olga (Jim) Williamson, and Bobbilove McCullough; five sons: Roberto, Marcelo, Joe (Dolly), Alegandro (Sheila), and Lusio (Cindy) Gallardo; one brother: Gilbert (Helena) Gallardo of Adrian; forty-nine grandchildren; ninety-six great grandchildren; and forty-three great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm and Wednesday, June 26, 2013 also from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services). A Rosary will take place at 7:00pm on Wednesday also at Merkle's. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street in Erie. Procession will follow to the church cemetery for burial. A luncheon will follow at the Erie VFW Post. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Erie VFW, St. Joseph Church, or American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.