Jesse A. Tafoya

Jesse A. Tafoya, 69, of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, February 10th, at Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan. Jesse was born in Dos Palos, Calif. on August 29, 1945. The son of the late Jesse Tafoya and Paula E. (Estrada) Tafoya of Dos Palos, Calif. Jesse graduated from Dos Palos High School, Calif. He and Nancy Nihizer were married in Ft. Benning, GA on Oct. 20, 1972 and she survives. He retired from the US Army after 21 yrs of service. He and his family moved to Fort Riley, Kansas in 1978. He later moved to Manhattan and chose to remain there after retirement to raise his family. He currently worked at Manko Window Systems for nearly 20 years. Jesse enjoyed all levels of sports; he was a member of the American Legion, an official for KSHAA (Kansas State High School Athletic Association), USSSA (United States Sports Specialty Assoc.) and the (ASA) Amateur Softball Association of America, officiating in many middle and high school events. Officiating was his passion, mentoring many players and colleagues. He also loved Kansas State football and women's basketball, and surrounding high school athletics. He was a proud grandfather and enjoyed attending his granddaughter's sporting events. He also loved his dog, Coco. Jesse is survived by his wife of 44 yrs, Nancy; his mother, Paula Tafoya of Napa, CA; three daughters, Angela Patenaude and husband David, of Gillette, WY; Terrina A. Tafoya and husband Robin Guillaume of Fort Collins, CO; Teresa Smith and husband John of Louisville, KY; 7 grandchildren: Rebecca, Katherine, Kabrina, Rayleene, Makayla, Anthony, Carver; two sisters, Rosemarie Quinlan, of Napa, CA; Linda Grindeland and husband Eric, of Panama City, FL. Jesse was loved and respected by his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor, was kind, giving and supportive to everyone he knew. He will be missed by all. Friends are invited to join the family on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 for a viewing from 1-3 with a funeral service starting at 3:00pm with Father Merlin Kieffer officiating, the location will be at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation. The graveside service will be at 1:00pm on Monday, February 16th, at the Kansas Veteran Cemetery at 5181 Wildcat Creek Rd in Manhattan. For more information, to send an email condolence or gift, visit the funeral homes website at irvinparkview.com.