Jesse Dietrich Gertjejansen

February 10, 1990 ~ August 16, 2023

Jesse Dietrich Gertjejansen was born on February 10, 1990, in New Orleans, and passed away on August 16, 2023, in Baton Rouge Louisiana at the age of 33.  He was Preceded in death by his mother, Diane, and is survived by his father Doyle, sister Amanda, his dear friend Abrianna and many other close friends in his adopted home of Baton Rouge.

Jesse attended Lusher Middle School, Ben Franklin High School, Holy Cross High School, and Delgado Community College in New Orleans.  He was a potential scholar who scored so high on his PSAT exam as a freshman at Ben Franklin high school that he was invited to apply to  gifted summer programs at Stanford University and the Oxbridge program in Oxford, England.

As a boy he loved to laugh and prank, camp and fish, skateboard, and, like all his Millennial peers, loved to play video games, Rapp, and play the electric guitar.  He was active in the New Orleans Lakeview programs for soccer, basketball and baseball and earned a second-degree black belt in Karate.  One of his proudest moments was winning first place in his division at a regional Karate tournament in Pensacola, FL, after which he refused to let go of a trophy that was nearly as tall as him as he made his way through the arena, parking lot, and hotel.

As a young man he was filled with philosophical opinions and loved to let his imagination reign supreme. Tragically, his life was cut short before he had the chance to fulfill his potential.  He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched, and all who loved him.  Rest in peace dear Jesse.

Friends and Family are invited to attend the Funeral Services, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Greenwoood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd. New Orleans, LA  70124.  Visitation will begin at 1:00, followed by services at 3:00.  Jesse always had an animal companion. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jesse’s name to an animal charity of your choice.

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