Jess E. Talty

Jess E. Talty, 54 of Sandwich, IL (formerly Onalaska, WI) lost his two-year battle with malignant melanoma on Friday, December 13, 2013, with friends and family by his side.
He was born January 3, 1959 to John and Margaret (Lunde) Talty. He married Bonnie Holmquist of La Crosse, WI February 3, 1979. They were joined by their daughter, Delaney in 1999. Jess was a 1977 graduate of Onalaska High School. He entered the Air Force in 1977 to pursue a career in law enforcement. While serving in the Air Force he obtained his Bachelor?s Degree from the University of Maryland. He started his Air Force career as a member of the security police squadron. From there he moved on to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He spent 12 ? years active duty and 7 ? years active duty reserve with the Air Force before retiring. During his Air Force career he was stationed in Omaha, NE, Colorado Springs, CO, Guam and then finally Chicago, IL. During their time on Guam he and Bonnie traveled all over the Pacific. After returning to the states they traveled throughout Europe with their closest friend from Guam. After retiring from the Air Force Jess continued his investigative career with the Federal Government. He worked briefly as a Criminal Investigator for the Railroad Retirement Board. He then transferred to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations where he spent the next 20 years as a Criminal Investigator. He retired August 30, 2013 with 35 ? years of Federal Service. Jess was also a longtime member of the American Legion.
Jess lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with Delaney and supporting her in her many activities. A true ?Parrot Head?, he and groups of friends enjoyed annual treks to Jimmy Buffett concerts for the past 25 years. His interests were many and varied. He loved working in the yard, fishing and watching the Wisconsin Badgers. To all who knew him life was always a party and he was always the life of the party.
Jess is survived by his wife Bonnie and daughter Delaney of Sandwich, IL; brother, John (Barb Scribbner) of Longs, SC; sisters Sandi (Boji) Respicio of Onalaska, WI, and Liz (Bob) Baker of Traverse City, MI, brother-in-law Jeff Holmquist (Karen Raifsnider) of La Crosse, WI; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many cousins. Last but not least he leaves behind two loving dogs Bascha Jo and Bo Jangles.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Talty; his in-laws, Robert and Delores (Bob & Duckie) Holmquist; his nephew, John Respicio and several cousins.
Jess and his family would like to thank everyone who have supported them for the past two years. There are too many to name but please know that without your love and support we would not have gotten through this. A special thank you to Dr. Jon Richards and the Oncology Unit (Tower 8) at Lutheran General Hospital.
Funeral Services with full Military Honors, will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1275 South Countyline Road in Sandwich, IL.
Friends may visit from 10:00 AM until the Hour of Service on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Funeral Home in Sandwich, IL. In honor of Jess? wishes please come dressed in your casual, tropical attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Jess Talty Memorial Fund, which has been established at the Heartland Bank in Sandwich, IL. Contributions may be made at any branch or mailed to Jess Talty Memorial Fund, Heartland Bank, 200 East Church Street, Sandwich, IL 60548. Through this fund memorials will be made to the American Cancer Society, various veterans groups and a fund will be established for Delaney.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (815) 786-6461.