Jesus "Jesse" Betancourt

Surrounded by his family, Jesus "Jesse" Betancourt of Merrill, Michigan, passed away on January 5, 2021, at the age of 82. Jesse was born in Edinburg, TX on November 29, 1938 to the late Martin and Rosaria (Palomarez) Betancourt. In 1957, Jesse married his wife of 64 years Gumecinda Rodriguez. Jesse retired from General Motors after 25 years of service in 1990.

Due to having a young family, furthering his education was not an option. He had the aptitude to try new things and became skilled at them. He enjoyed working with his hands, doing electrical work, rebuilding cars and welding as recent as a couple of weeks ago. Jesse enjoyed traveling to Texas to visit his family and would drive his 1941 Chevy cherry red truck, which he rebuilt. He loved joking with his grandchildren, that he was Uncle Jesse" not grandpa. Jesse was a proud man who never let age deter the way he felt, looked and carried himself. He was a man of nine lives and was often referred to as "El Gato Negro."

Jesse is survived by his wife and their children, Janie (Anthony) Olivarez of Lansing, MI; Sylvia (Jesse) Ortiz of Holland, MI; Raquel (Terry) Charboneau of Saginaw, MI; Diana Rocha (late Daniel Rocha) of Saginaw, MI; Anita (Jay) Stevens of Zeeland, MI; James (Jessica) Betancourt of Perrysburg, OH; Jesse (Monica) Betancourt of Holland, MI and 24 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by six brothers and three sisters, Jose (Maria) Betancourt; Maria Del Refugio (Joe) Gallagher; Raul (Amelia) Betancourt; Ramon (Maria) Betancourt; Tony (Gloria) Betancourt; Maria (Richard) Brown; Juan Betancourt; Tomas (Maureen) Betancourt; Dora (Robert) Casillas, as well as his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Inez Coronado; Julia (Robert) Gamboa; Alfredo Rodriguez. Jesse was preceded in death by his son Jesse Betancourt, Jr; granddaughter Jaclynn Olivarez; son-in-law Daniel Rocha; and in-laws, Gloria Betancourt; Manuel Rodriguez; Sabas Coronado; Zeferino and Rita Villarreal.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Sacred Heart Church of St. John XXIII Parish, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill, MI. Rev. Fr. Michael Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 3440 S. Washington Road, Saginaw, MI. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Ordinance, building capacity is limited, face masks are required both at the church and cemetery, and social distancing encouraged. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John XXIII Parish, 151 Saint Marys Drive, Hemlock, MI 48626. Please share your thoughts and memories with his family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.