A longtime resident of Swaledale, Iowa, Jesse Watters unexpectedly passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023. Jesse who worked as a palliative care coordinator RN at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center dies leaving behind his devoted wife, Tanya, and their 3 children, Jack, Ava, and Emerie. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jesse was known and loved by many in North Iowa. This sudden loss has obviously caused a huge void, and the family is navigating how to pick up the pieces in the midst of tending to their broken hearts.
Jesse Watters hail from Swaledale, Iowa, he went to Rockwell – Swaledale High School. Jesse studied Nursing at NIACC, he studied History and Geography at Upper Iowa University. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Grand Canyon University. Jesse was happily married to Tanya Watters, a registered nurse at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, and they have 3 amazing children Jack, Ava, and Emerie.
Scott Queen release the following on social media on Saturday, May 27, 2023;
About 5 years ago I got a call one night from an Iowa number. I answered and it was Jesse. I Had never spoken to him before. He said I just wanted to let you know I admire what you’re doing. We talked hogs for a while and a few months later he bought this gilt in our online sale. She “Blue” went on to win several jackpots and we met up at the World Pork Expo. After Expo Blue went on to be named the Champion Yorkshire at the Iowa State Fair. She was our very first State Fair Champion. We became very good friends and talked hogs and I did my best to guide him in breeding the best I could. My absolute favorite convos revolved around our faith. He was such a blessing to me. In many ways we were the same person but when it came to hogs we were so very different. Jesse couldn’t let sows go while I moved through them at the speed of light. He always said he never could tell what I was doing over here.
Jesse I wish I had told you how influential you were in my life. I loved you like a brother. I will miss you and will see you again someday.
Northern Exposure Pig Sale Facebook page paid tribute to Jesse following his death, “We lost one of our own but Jesse Watters would have wanted us to have the show no matter what for the kids so that’s what we did. Thank you to everyone that came to the Battle for the Border today, the pigs looked great, everyone went home with prizes and most importantly the kids had fun!”
A GoFundMe campaign to offset some of the stress during this time is to bless the family financially. The organizer of the fundraising page said “This fund will help supplement funeral expenses and two months of bills. Please keep this beloved family in your thoughts and prayers and give if you are able.”
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