91, of Macomb
Charles Jesse Pestle, 91, of Macomb, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born on October 13, 1934, in Walnut Grove, to Dwight L. and Mary Jo (Israel) Pestle. He married Sally Lee Shellhaas on March 10, 1956, in West Milton, Ohio, at the Brush Creek Church of God. She survives.
Also surviving are three children: Jennifer (William) DeJong of Macomb; Dwight (Julie Flynn) Pestle of Bushnell; and Matthew (Sarah Watkins) Pestle of Nelson, New Zealand; and one grandson, Colin DeJong of Iowa City, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Clarabeth Vancil.
After graduating from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1952, Jesse attended Oregon Bible College in Oregon, IL, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology . He later graduated from the Perkins School of Piano Technology in Cleveland, OH, in pursuit of his interest in piano tuning.
Jesse’s life was marked by dedication, hard work, and service. He pursued three overlapping careers that spanned his lifetime: serving in the ministry for more than 15 years, farming for over 20 years, and owning and operating Pestle Piano Service for more than 30 years.
Jesse and Sally traveled to both U.S. coasts and places in between on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle and also explored Italy, the British Isles, and New Zealand. Jesse enjoyed singing with the Prairie Land Barbershop Chorus, playing the violin, and listening to a wide variety of music. He was a member of the Quad City Piano Technicians Guild, and the Rock Steady Boxing Program in Macomb.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Bushnell Township Cemetery, with Pastor Mark Wolford officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Martin- Hollis Funeral Home, also in Bushnell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the McDonough District Hospital Hospice Program. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.
