Jesse Nishwitz
Jesse Lee Nishwitz, 76, of Collinsville, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis.
Jesse was born June 17, 1944 in East St. Louis to Jesse Elmer and Ida Purcell (Work) Nishwitz. He married Phyllis Doyle on November 17, 1971 in Collinsville; together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage. She survives and resides in Collinsville.
Also surviving are his children, Angela (Michael) Feldman of Marine, IL, David (Stephanie) Nishwitz of Collinsville, and Bethany (Brian) Hildebrand of Collinsville; grandchildren, Katelyn, Tyler, Zachary, Hailey, Savannah and Cheyenne; brother, Jim Nishwitz of Bradenton, FL; brother-in-laws, Jerry (Sherry) Doyle of Portland, TN, Dan Doyle of Dixon, MO and Mike Doyle of Independence, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse E. and Ida Nishwitz.
Jesse was a Collinsville native and a familiar face for many throughout the community. He loved being around people, caring for others and was always lending a helping hand. Jesse had a care and compassion that was unmatched and felt by many. He also dedicated much of his time to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team, Salem South Division.
Jesse began his working career as a Charter bus driver for Continental Trailways, which is where he met Phyllis and began their life together.
Jesse proudly served his country in the United States Army and Air Force. He drove as a medic at Scott Air Force Base during the Vietnam War.
He worked various jobs, including car sales, Bi-State bus driver, Maryville part-time police officer and a funeral assistant at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville for many years. For 27 years, Jesse worked for UPS and retired as a feeder driver.
He also owned and operated D&J Yard Grading and Restoration alongside his son, David. He loved car shows and shared a love of horses, sports activities and riding ATVs with his grandchildren. Above all else, he loved his family and his beloved grandchildren dearly.
Memorial donations may be made to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team, Salem South Division, Mt. Vernon, IL.
A visitation for Jesse will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Troy, with a visitation an hour prior to services, from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.. Pastor Tim Lewis will officiate. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, where military rites will be rendered.
