Olav Jon Espenes, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024, in Lafayette, Indiana, surrounded by family and friends. The son of Olaf and Cecelia Espenes, Jon was born on December 14, 1945, and grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from La Crosse Central HighContinue Reading
Travis toman
left a message on October 8, 2024:
HIGH SCHOOL 2017 he was my job coach and helped make me the hard working motivated man I am today thanks you are missed and remembered got me my first job at PURDUE!
Marty Utley
left a message on May 12, 2024:
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Jon's family. I was in the Lunch Bunch group in Lafayette, IN and all of us girls just thought the world of Jon. He sure knew how to play the saxophone. May he RIP.
John Strieter
left a message on April 29, 2024:
My path crossed Jon's circa 1987. The Sigma Phi Epsilon house on Waldron was undergoing renovation and Shooter, as we new him, was a major part of the construction effort. Always witty and friendly, he made an idelible impression on both the structure and the brotherhood there. Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP brother. JMS
Pat Buzzeo
left a message on April 26, 2024:
To the family of Jon. I did not know Jon, but served in the same war, the same time. Jon is a brother and my heart felt Condolences to all his family and friends.
So to my Brother "Slow Salute and RIP... "
Mike Ringle
left a message on April 25, 2024:
Semper Fi, you stubborn old Jarhead.
R.I.P My friend...
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Natasha
left a message on April 24, 2024:
Jon used to be a regular customer at TNT Dry Cleaners. I waited on him for years. He was so friendly and easy to talk to. He loved his dogs and always had them with him. He shared great stories with all of us. He was such a wonderful soul. I’m sorry about your tremendous loss.
Shane bauer
left a message on April 23, 2024:
I met Jon in the Fall of 1989. I responded to a help wanted flyer he posted in the Fraternity house. It has been an incredible 35 year relationship. He changed my career but more importantly he made a difference in my life. Truly one of those guys you were blessed to known. I'm going to miss you my friend. "Happy trails to you, until we meet again!"
Love, Bauer
Renata
left a message on April 16, 2024:
There has never been a kinder or more caring soul than Jon Espenes. I was so lucky to have witnessed his devotion to helping others while he was a job coach with Lafayette School Corp. To say that Jon went above and beyond for those kids is a gross understatement. He tried so hard to inspire the kids to be their best and to help them to build strong foundations. And the jokes! SO MANY JOKES! :-) Jon never failed to bring levity and humor to the most difficult or stressful situation, teaching the kids to take life with a grain of salt. His students not only respected Jon for his hard work for them, they truly liked him and appreciated his efforts. For many of the kids he coached, Jon was the first person who believed in them, cared about them, and helped them have confidence in themselves. He wanted only the best for every person in his life and was a truly sweet person. Never a man to shy away from a celebration, he was always ready to toast achievements from coworkers' retirements to simply making it to the last day of school. I'm a better person because of Jon, and I know for a fact there are hundreds who can say the same. Rest in peace, my friend.
John Gleason
left a message on April 16, 2024:
I came to know Jon when I joined him as a job coach for L.S.C. Myself, also being a Vietnam combat veteran truly respected the sacrifice Jon made for country in Vietnam and knew of the extreme injuries he suffered while there and in the years thereafter. He was a stand-up guy who never complained and who did so much for so many during his life. The students, teachers and co-workers were lucky to have such a quality individual among themselves, as was I. Jon will be sadly missed by so many as he moves on to join passed family, friends and his fellow marines!
Bart
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I witnessed Jon be good to so many people over the years. He was good to me over the years as I came home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a friend, mentor, and makeshift uncle. He lived with and through much pain. I hope and pray that he is free from all of that pain and sorrow now and reunited with his family and fellow Marines in heaven. I will miss you old friend.
David schodde
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I didn't know Jon but then again, I didn't know many officers. I arrived 13 Aug 68 and was on Op mameluke thrust. Don't remember if village of La Thap was part of that Op or not. If it was I'm sure I saw or knew of him. We were all brothers watching out for one another. Of course Nam is a tourist destination now so I question those in the government that put us there. To say I'm bitter is an understatement. Anyway he's with our other brothers now hoisting a few, telling lies and watching out for one another. Rest in peace brother!
Tom Hohmann
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I didn't know Jon personally, but he was a fellow Marine who served in my unit in Vietnam before I arrived. My fellow Marines have said many good things about Jon. Semper Fi, Marine...Rest In Peace
Kathi / Bob Bishop
left a message on April 15, 2024:
In memory of Olav Jon Espenes, Kathi / Bob Bishop lit a candle
Diana Brown
left a message on April 15, 2024:
Love you, Jon. Heaven certainly has gained one heck of an angel. Rest in peace
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Travis toman
left a message on October 8, 2024:
HIGH SCHOOL 2017 he was my job coach and helped make me the hard working motivated man I am today thanks you are missed and remembered got me my first job at PURDUE!
Marty Utley
left a message on May 12, 2024:
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Jon's family. I was in the Lunch Bunch group in Lafayette, IN and all of us girls just thought the world of Jon. He sure knew how to play the saxophone. May he RIP.
John Strieter
left a message on April 29, 2024:
My path crossed Jon's circa 1987. The Sigma Phi Epsilon house on Waldron was undergoing renovation and Shooter, as we new him, was a major part of the construction effort. Always witty and friendly, he made an idelible impression on both the structure and the brotherhood there. Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP brother. JMS
Pat Buzzeo
left a message on April 26, 2024:
To the family of Jon. I did not know Jon, but served in the same war, the same time. Jon is a brother and my heart felt Condolences to all his family and friends.
So to my Brother "Slow Salute and RIP... "
Mike Ringle
left a message on April 25, 2024:
Semper Fi, you stubborn old Jarhead.
R.I.P My friend...
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Natasha
left a message on April 24, 2024:
Jon used to be a regular customer at TNT Dry Cleaners. I waited on him for years. He was so friendly and easy to talk to. He loved his dogs and always had them with him. He shared great stories with all of us. He was such a wonderful soul. I’m sorry about your tremendous loss.
Shane bauer
left a message on April 23, 2024:
I met Jon in the Fall of 1989. I responded to a help wanted flyer he posted in the Fraternity house. It has been an incredible 35 year relationship. He changed my career but more importantly he made a difference in my life. Truly one of those guys you were blessed to known. I'm going to miss you my friend. "Happy trails to you, until we meet again!"
Love, Bauer
Renata
left a message on April 16, 2024:
There has never been a kinder or more caring soul than Jon Espenes. I was so lucky to have witnessed his devotion to helping others while he was a job coach with Lafayette School Corp. To say that Jon went above and beyond for those kids is a gross understatement. He tried so hard to inspire the kids to be their best and to help them to build strong foundations. And the jokes! SO MANY JOKES! :-) Jon never failed to bring levity and humor to the most difficult or stressful situation, teaching the kids to take life with a grain of salt. His students not only respected Jon for his hard work for them, they truly liked him and appreciated his efforts. For many of the kids he coached, Jon was the first person who believed in them, cared about them, and helped them have confidence in themselves. He wanted only the best for every person in his life and was a truly sweet person. Never a man to shy away from a celebration, he was always ready to toast achievements from coworkers' retirements to simply making it to the last day of school. I'm a better person because of Jon, and I know for a fact there are hundreds who can say the same. Rest in peace, my friend.
John Gleason
left a message on April 16, 2024:
I came to know Jon when I joined him as a job coach for L.S.C. Myself, also being a Vietnam combat veteran truly respected the sacrifice Jon made for country in Vietnam and knew of the extreme injuries he suffered while there and in the years thereafter. He was a stand-up guy who never complained and who did so much for so many during his life. The students, teachers and co-workers were lucky to have such a quality individual among themselves, as was I. Jon will be sadly missed by so many as he moves on to join passed family, friends and his fellow marines!
Bart
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I witnessed Jon be good to so many people over the years. He was good to me over the years as I came home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a friend, mentor, and makeshift uncle. He lived with and through much pain. I hope and pray that he is free from all of that pain and sorrow now and reunited with his family and fellow Marines in heaven. I will miss you old friend.
David schodde
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I didn't know Jon but then again, I didn't know many officers. I arrived 13 Aug 68 and was on Op mameluke thrust. Don't remember if village of La Thap was part of that Op or not. If it was I'm sure I saw or knew of him. We were all brothers watching out for one another. Of course Nam is a tourist destination now so I question those in the government that put us there. To say I'm bitter is an understatement. Anyway he's with our other brothers now hoisting a few, telling lies and watching out for one another. Rest in peace brother!
Tom Hohmann
left a message on April 15, 2024:
I didn't know Jon personally, but he was a fellow Marine who served in my unit in Vietnam before I arrived. My fellow Marines have said many good things about Jon. Semper Fi, Marine...Rest In Peace
Kathi / Bob Bishop
left a message on April 15, 2024:
In memory of Olav Jon Espenes, Kathi / Bob Bishop lit a candle
Diana Brown
left a message on April 15, 2024:
Love you, Jon. Heaven certainly has gained one heck of an angel. Rest in peace
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.