Jesse Lee Schlager was born to Rick and Brenda (Helmers) Schlager on February 27, 1985, in Worthington, MN. Jesse was raised in Jackson, MN, where he excelled in sports including soccer, wrestling, football and motocross racing. He received his education at Jackson County Central schools, graduating with the class of 2003.

The sport of Motocross was an important part of Jesse's and his family's lives. They spent a lot of years traveling around the country racing, Jesse and his little brother as the riders, his dad as the mechanic and his mom as the best pit chief. They met many people over the years who are now considered part of their lifelong motocross family. It's a sport Jesse loved, and it runs in the family. His oldest son, Drayton, eventually started racing dirt bikes too. Jesse just couldn't stay away from a dirt bike – he spent the last 4 summers racing in the "vet" classes – and he showed he still had what it took to be good at the adrenaline-pumping sport!

Jesse enjoyed his life in Mankato where he lived with his long-time girlfriend, Natasha. He was always a hard worker. He was never one to be able to sit still. That made his job as a landscaping foreman a perfect fit. He took pride in his work and of the team he worked with.

The most important thing in life for Jesse was his family. He loved his parents, his little brother and his 2 boys. He cared deeply and would always put family first. Jesse had the biggest heart and an awesome personality. His smile was contagious. He could make everyone laugh with his jokes and pranks. Anyone who knew Jesse would tell you that we are all better off for it. He was an incredible person who will be missed beyond measure.

Jesse passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, at the age of 39 years old, at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, Mn.

Jesse is survived by his children, Drayton Klassen of Bloomington and Julian Schlager of Waseca; parents, Rick and Brenda Schlager of Jackson; brother, Derek Schlager of Chicago; significant other, Natasha Caviness of Mankato; grandparents, Delano and Janice Helmers of Jackson; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Joyce Schlager and his aunt and godmother, Cathy Schlager.

Blessed be the memory of Jesse Lee Schlager.

A Celebration of Life Service for Jesse Schlager, age 39, of Mankato formerly of Jackson, will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson with Dr. Martin Lucin officiating.

A time of visitation and gathering will be held prior to the service, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life in Jackson.

Jesse Schlager passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, MN.