Jess Medina

Jess Medina, 84, longtime Ogallala resident, died Saturday, May 12, 2018, in the Indian Hills Manor Health Care Center. Jess was born May 23, 1933 in Laredo, Mexico, son of Jesus Fidencio Medina and Candelaria Gallardo. Jess grew up in Fairbury, Nebraska graduating from High School in 1951. He attended Fairbury Junior College and while there met Joyce Ann Dague from Washington Kansas. He received his Associates of Arts degree in Education.

On October 3, 1953 Jess & Joyce were united in marriage in Fairbury. The couple resided in Washington, Kansas. Jess joined the United States Army in May of 1954. He served until February of 1956 including a tour in Germany being awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. Jess wanted to continue his education so he and Joyce moved to Chadron, Nebraska attending Chadron State College; it was there he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education. He accepted his first teaching job as an English teacher in Bradshaw, Nebraska. He eventually became Superintendent of Bradshaw Public Schools, Principal of Schools in Henderson, and Principal of Schools in Beatrice. Throughout this time, he continued his summer studies and received his Master’s Degree. He was just one thesis away from receiving his Doctorate. He also served as Director of the Migrant Education program for the State of Nebraska returning to be Principal of Schools in Ignacio, Colorado. He and Joyce wanted to get back to Nebraska and in 1984 they moved to Ogallala, where Jess was Principal of Prairie View, West Fifth and Progress Elementary Schools.

Jess was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. He was an active member of the VFW. Besides his passion for education, he loved reading books, visiting the library, playing golf and loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his wife Joyce of 59 years.

Survivors include his; three sons; Tony (Anne) Medina of Franktown, Colo.; Greg (Rachel) Medina of Ogallala; and Jeff (Monique) Medina of Marion, Iowa.

Ten grandchildren: Lacey (Tommy) Maude of Castle Rock, Colo., Nick Medina (Kaylee McKibben, fiancé) of Aurora, Colo. and Abbey Medina of Franktown, Colo.; Tiffany Williams, Ashley Soper, Kelsey (Andrew) Prestegard, and Matthew Medina all of Ogallala and Natasha, Stephanie (David) Thiele and Christian Medina all of Marion, Iowa; Six great-grandchildren Kane and Kooper Williams, Ethan Medina, Lillie Thiele, Grant Soper and Mary Jane Maude. His sisters; Lupe Medina and Margaret Medina both of Fairbury; Chris (Basilio) Florez of Wichita, Kansas and Juanita (Joe) Fuentez of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The family chose cremation. The Wake and Rosary Service will be Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 10 a.m. in St. Luke’s Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Bryan Ernest will be the Celebrant.

A memorial has been established to The Goodall City Library.  Condolences may be sent by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfh.com

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.