Forever in Our Hearts

IN MEMORY OF JESSE ODIN JOHANNESSEN

January 20, 1982 - February 4, 2017

Jesse Johannessen, beloved son of John Johannessen of Malibu and Diane Bronkowski of Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 4, 2017, at the age of 35. Earlier that evening, Jesse had mentioned he wasn’t feeling well, and his sudden passing left his family and friends in shock and sorrow.

Jesse is survived by his devoted sister Shanelle Santisteban, his brothers Nathan Johannessen and Paul Wayne Griffith, and their families. He also leaves behind his stepmother Barbara Bruderlin, who he loved and appreciated deeply, as well as his fiancée Jennifer Althouse, with whom he shared great happiness and plans for the future. His many cousins, nieces, and nephews were heartbroken by his loss.

Funeral services were held on February 11, 2017, at McCormick & Son Mortuary in Laguna Hills, California, where more than 200 family members and friends gathered to celebrate Jesse’s life. One by one, they stood to share stories of his kindness, laughter, and generosity—each memory a reflection of the joy he brought into the world. As Derek Perkins, a longtime family mentor, offered a heartfelt prayer, and his Aunt Julie sang “Amazing Grace,” the darkened sky outside suddenly cleared. Sunlight shimmered across the deep blue ocean, embracing all in the warmth of Jesse’s enduring spirit.

Jesse worked alongside his father in the construction industry in Malibu, where his creativity and problem-solving earned him the nickname “MacGyver.” “He could fix anything and make it better than it was ever originally made,” his father recalled with pride. Friends described him as “a legacy and a legend,” “one of a kind,” and someone who “will be missed more than words.” As one friend beautifully put it, “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

Jesse lived life with enthusiasm and grace. He loved motorcycling, hiking, and healthy living, and his adventurous spirit inspired everyone around him. He had just celebrated his 35th birthday surrounded by family and friends on January 20, 2017.

Following the service, Jesse’s ashes were carried to one of his favorite places—Valido Trail in Laguna Beach. Under a soft, drizzling sky, about 40 loved ones gathered to honor him as his ashes were gently spread along the trail, a place that will forever echo with his laughter and love for life.

As his stepmother Barbara shared, “We will all miss him terribly; the thought of his twinkling smile warms my heart and makes me smile through the tears.”

Jesse’s light, kindness, and joyful spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be forever in our hearts.