Racine – Jesse Mata, age 74, passed away at home, surrounded with the love of family, on Friday, November 21, 2025, following a seven-month battle with cancer.

Jesse was born in Fort Worth, Texas on December 20, 1950, to the late Meliton and Marie (nee: Bermejo) Mata.  From his earliest days, the values that would define his life were already taking shape: loyalty, hard work, and love of family. These qualities guided him through every chapter of his journey.

After being medically discharged from the United States Army, Jesse began what would become an extraordinary 57-year career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service — a career marked not just by longevity, but by pride, dedication, and the countless connections he made along the way. Those who knew Jesse through the Post Office knew his reliability, his humor, and the unmistakable heart he brought to even the simplest daily tasks.

At just 18 years old, Jesse made one of the most important decisions of his life — he married the love of his life, Lydia, on December 28, 1968, at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Racine. For nearly 57 years, Jesse and Lydia built a marriage that was not only long-lasting, but rich with companionship and love. Together they raised a family that became Jesse's greatest joy and proudest achievement.  Jesse & Lydia had been members of St. Lucy Church and of Racine Instinctive Bowmen. Some of Jesse's favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, casinos and hosting frequent campfires for family & friends to gather at his home.

Surviving are his loving wife, Lydia; their sons, Juan Mata and Joaquin Mata; daughter-in-law, Rebecca (Rick) Becker; grandchildren, Brandon, Jescenia, Aliyia & Arianna Mata; Anthony Michael Coca; Juan Raul Gonzales-Mata and Xavier Reyes Gonzales-Mata; great-grandchildren, Cristiana, Valentino, Gabrielle and Sophia Mata; brothers & sisters, Lupe (Henry) Sosa, Juanita Mata, Javier "Chico" (Gloria) Mata and Antonio (Pauline) Mata; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Adela Roby, Amada (Hector) DelBosque, Rudy "Pecos" (Christina) Gonzales, Rogelio (Lisa) Gonzales, Ramona "Baby" Gonzales and Caroline Mata; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and an extensive circle of friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Meliton and Marie Mata, Sr.; beloved son, Jesse Mata, Jr. (who passed away in an automobile accident in 2001); granddaughters, Jaeda Mata and Nicole Mata; brothers, Henry (Shirley) Mata and Meliton Mata, Jr.; sister, Socorro Mata; Lydia's parents, Reyes and Santos (nee: Selbera) Gonzales; brothers-in-law, Lonnie McLain, Reyes (Linda) Gonzales, Raul Gonzales and Roberto Gonzales; and sister-in-law, Delma (Isidro) Vieyra.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Fr. Craig Richter officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 pm.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Jesse's faithful friend, Dennis Lieske; compadre, Brian St. Martin; longtime co-worker & friend, Ron Dickoff; and to his campfire buddies, Rick & Bonnie Muniz for your companionship and support in Jesse's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

A memorial service celebrating Jesse's life will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm with Fr. Craig Richter officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 pm.

The service will not be livestreamed. However, it will be recorded and uploaded to Jesse's obituary on this website by noon this coming Friday, November 28th. You may watch the service anytime after.