Saint Louis Park, MN - Jesse Virgil Buchner, age 55, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 12,2026. He was surrounded by love from his family and friends. He spent his last hours connecting with those he loved, listening to country music and sharing stories.

Jesse was born on December 16th 1970 to Virgil and Phyllis Buchner. He was the youngest of six children. As a youth, he enjoyed card games, 4-H, and outdoor games with those in his neighborhood. He graduated from La Crosse Logan high school in LaCrosse, WI in 1989. He completed an undergraduate degree at Vertibo College. He later completed his MA in Social Work from St. Thomas as well as certification to be a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Jesse's passion and dedication to helping others through his work was unmatched: Because of this, Jesse was able to create positive change and hope in many of the individuals he counseled. Throughout the years, Jesse's contagious love of life and honesty left an impression on those of us who knew him that we will never forget.

Jesse lived life to the fullest in everything he did. He enjoyed sports, country music, concerts, theatre and dinner parties. Jesse participated in improv comedy and loved to make people laugh. He found his sense of community with his LGBTQ+ family. Recently, Jesse was working with a talent agent putting together a portfolio to audition for ads and game shows.

Jesse is survived by his mom, Phyllis Buchner and three sisters: Pam Dahl, Patti Buchner-Barney and Kim Spranger as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad, Virgil Buchner, older sister DeeAnn Gray and older brother John Buchner.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 20th in Minneapolis at the Beach Club Apartments Community room from 4-8pm and in LaCrosse, WI at Olivet Lutheran Church on February 21st at 2pm.