Jessica Lynn Gallardo

Loving Mother

Jessica Lynn Gallardo’s spirit was released on October 31, 2023. She was placed on life support on October 28th, 2023, following a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Because of Jessica’s strong desire to help others, organ donation was scheduled. On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Jessica Lynn Gallardo was removed from life support and passed peacefully at 12:25 PM.

Thursday, November 2, 2023, the family was notified that Jess’ left kidney was received by a 74-year-old female, and her right kidney was received by a 41-year-old female.

Jessica’s desire to help others was a huge part of who she was. She was a voracious reader, with an insatiable quest for knowledge. Her interests were vast. She read everything from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax to anything relating to polyvagal theory. She enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and playing Mario Karts during family nights at grandpa and grandma’s house. She was also a World of Warcraft member of the Horde.

Jessica was born on September 29, 1983, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. She moved to North Branch during the summer of 1990.

Jessica’s love for video games often got her in hot water during her teenage years. Late night gaming sessions crept into early morning, and she frequently missed curfew at home.

As noted in other tributes, Jessica was an avid Trekkie. Star Trek: Next Generation was her favorite series. Qapla’!

Jess worked on cement crews with her second cousin and uncle. She was adept at car and motorcycle repair, which she learned fast in her early driving years. Due to having her Firebird for a summer car, some of her winter cars were in need of TLC. She jumped in to make repairs in order to keep them on the road (with a little help from grandpa and Mel).

School work came easily to Jessica. It was almost effortless. She sailed through K-12 with exceptional grades.

Following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Jess embarked on a career at the Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department as a legislative assistant. In addition to her regular work, Jess often dabbled in IT. Computers and electronics were one of her many interests. She constructed a replica and gifted "the internet" (a reference to one of her favorite shows- The IT Crowd) to her co-worker and dear friend.

After spending many years together, Jessica married Carlos Gallardo on August 7, 2015. Their shared love of motorcycles, hunting and fishing made them a perfect match. Jessica fell in love with Belize after travelling there for her honeymoon. She always had Marie Sharps hot sauce, from Belize, at the table for every meal.

After 13+ years working at the Minnesota House of Representatives, Jessica returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in therapy. Just after she applied for school, Jess found out she was to become a mother. Mathias was born during the height of the COVID-19 panic.

On September 9, 2023, after considerable personal and family sacrifice, and with the support of her husband and family, Jessica received her master’s degree from Adler Graduate School, becoming a licensed therapist. Her area of specialty was family trauma and addiction. During this long process, Jess balanced her studies with caring for and nurturing her newborn son.

Jessica was well known for her infectious laugh and almost child-like curiosity, which she shared with, nurtured, and encouraged with her son.

The love Jessica had for her son in life and now in spirit is immeasurable. Words alone cannot express how much she is loved and how greatly she will be missed.

Jessica leaves behind her husband, Carlos Gallardo; son, Mathias Gallardo; parents, Mel and Francel Vogt; sister, Sonya Vogt; grandparents, James & Shirley Hunt; aunts, Sharon Vogt, Collette (Joe) Moszer; uncle, Jim (Samantha) Hunt; cousins, Jim R. Murray, Felicia Murray, Jacob (Ashley) Murray, Jaime Hunt, Joseph Murray, Spencer Hunt; nephews, Soren and Arvid (Ian & Maria) Schmitt, Luca (Nick Ernst & Laura Gallardo).

Preceded in death by cousin, Mekaela Mae (Collette) Murray; grandparents, Melvin & Merriell Vogt; brother-in-law, Jose’ (Jose’ & Shirley) Gallardo.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 - 5:00 PM Saturday, November 18 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale Street (at County Road B).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Carlos and Mathias Gallardo Fund

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