Jesse Knieberg

Although he left school before graduating to serve in the Marines during WWII, Jesse was an avid learner, loved classical music, opera, and solving puzzles. A child of immigrant parents, Jesse spoke five languages before starting school, and then picked up several more in his many travels with the military. He was very proud of his honorary degree, graduating with his granddaughter in the Fletcher High Class of 2009.

Jesse served 32 years in the Navy, following stints in both the Marines and Air Force. An air traffic controller, he travelled to all 7 continents, including “Operation Deep Freeze” in Antarctica. He was especially fond of New Zealand and often expressed a desire to retire there. He later worked for the Duval County schools.

Jesse is survived by his sister, Millie Weiss; daughters, Roberta Knieberg, Debra Bebergal (Jeff), Sharon Peltz (Harry) and Carla Bostick (Barry); his 4 grandchildren- Alyssa and Matthew Bostick and Benjamin and Rebekah Peltz and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Temple Cemetery (located in Evergreen Cemetery off north Main Street, turn right on Winona Road, cross railroad tracks and enter at Temple Gate) with Rabbi Joshua Lief officiating.

Children’s Jewish education was very important to Jesse. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can made to any of the Temple’s funds whose purpose is children’s education to honor Jesse’s memory.

Arrangements are by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com.