Lee Dennis Jesko, age 86, of Lazbuddie passed away in Dimmitt on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.Viewing will be held from 9:00AM to 8:00PM with family visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM  Saturday January 18, 2025, in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with Rosary Services  being held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bovina  under the direction of Deacon Paul Herrera. Mass of Christian Burial Services will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bovina, with Monsignor Michael Colwell and Deacon Michael Glenn, nephew as Celebrants. The interment will follow in the Friona Cemetery with Casket Bearers  being his grandsons. Arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

The fourth of ten children, Lee Dennis was born on July 22,  1938, in Clovis, NM, to Alexander John and Lucy Frances (Schmitz) Jesko, who instilled in him the values of faith, family and hard work. He attended Lazbuddie and Farwell Schools and graduated from Farwell High School in 1956. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army with his brother and best friend, Larry. He worked briefly as a lineman for SPS before returning to the family farm in the Clay's Corner area. It was then that he met his wife to be and, in his words, "a real good woman" in the neighboring town of Friona, Tx. Lee Dennis and Brenda (Collier) were married on August 31, 1962, at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Friona, Tx., and spent 62 wonderful years together in marriage.

Lee Dennis and Brenda made their home on the family farm where they raised their four children, Angela, Terry, Laura and Ginger and for a brief time, his sister, Debbie. He was dedicated to his Catholic faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Ann's Catholic Church, in Bovina, Tx.  As a Dad, he was the big tough man who taught his children respect, to lend a helping hand, the value of a dollar,  there is always work to be done, and above all go to church.  He loved the life of a farmer and in his younger years always made time for volleyball and softball with a team composed of local farmers and elk hunting in the Colorado mountains with friends.  As his life progressed, he could be found at the casino sitting in front of a red, white and blue 7's slot machine, on the golf course or playing a really serious game of dominos at Wilbur Ellis.

Lee Dennis continued his farming and cattle operation until 2008, when he retired and turned his life's passion over to the capable hands of his son, Terry.

His greatest accomplishment in life was his family and his joy increased with the addition of each grandchild and great grandchild. He loved teaching his grandchildren the UNO card game, and he showed no mercy as he always seemed to find a way to win. His grandchildren inherited his competitive drive. His retirement allowed he and Brenda to follow their grandkids near and far, cheering them on in their activities. Each grandchild will assure you that they were "Papa's" favorite.

Lee Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Larry and Kenneth Jesko; four sisters, Billie Jean Glenn, Mary Carolyn Jesko, Judith Ann Dennis, and Frances "Elaine" Larson; and his precious daughter, Laura Jesko.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Brenda. Children, Angela Barrett of Forest Hill, TX; Terry Jesko and wife, Janene of Lazbuddie; and Ginger and husband, Charlie Trimble of Lazbuddie; seven grandchildren - Chance and Christian Chatellier; Kayle and Stephanie Jesko; Jarrod Jesko; Lacey and Dustin Lennon; Emily and Dalyn Dalton; Regan and Zach Edwards; and Charlie May Trimble; and seven great grandchildren - Laiken, Bianca, Banks, CJ, Liam, Dennis and Collier. He is also survived by a brother, Wayne Jesko and wife, Liz; and a sister, Debbie Gallman; and many nephews and nieces, that he loved as if they were his own children.

His family would like to extend a special thanks to Deacon Paul Herrera,  Castro County Nursing and Rehabilitation, Plains Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and comfort they provided.

The family request donations in memory of Lee Dennis Jesko be made to the Lazbuddie Fire Department, P.O. Box 155 Lazbuddie, Tx 79053.

You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at:  hansardfamily.com