Martin Hess

Martin Hess, 94, of Peru, IL passed away July 5, 2021 at Heritage Health in Mendota, IL. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, July 12 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing with Rev. Sean Smith officiating. Burial was in the Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing. Thornburg Grau Funeral Home in Lansing assisted the family with arrangements in Iowa.

Martin was born October 24, 1926 in Waukon to Pius and Elsie (Doehler) Hess. He helped his father on the family farm in his early years. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force and then U.S. Army from 1945-1946. During his time in the service, he supported the Occupation of Japan after the end of WWII.

He married Mary Wadznack November 30, 1968. She passed away in 1969. He had a special friend, Marie Coulter, for over 50 years.

Martin worked on Interstate 80 for Highway Services out of Hampton and then went to Illinois to work as an operating engineer with Len Trovero Construction until his retirement. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Peru American Legion and the VFW #4876, where he served as Commander for over 20 Years.

Martin is survived by his sisters, Luanne (Hess) Gavin of Sturtevant, WI and Georgianna (Hess) Gavin of Lansing; and 23 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his special friend, Marie Coulter; three sisters, Mary Hess, Esther (Hess) DeFlorian and Martha Rose Hess; and one brother, Joe Hess.

His nephews will be his pallbearers. Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFH.com.