Gary Hesse
Gary Lee Hesse, 75, died Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home in Cedar Falls after a brief illness. Funeral services were held Friday, November 8 at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. Interment with military honors was at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or a charity of choice.
Gary was born November 30, 1948, in Decorah to Roger and LaVonne (Geving) Hesse. He attended a one-room country school through eighth grade and graduated in 1967 from Waukon High School. He married Mary Ann Schanz, the love of his life, May 10, 1968, and they were blessed with 56 years of togetherness and three wonderful children.
He enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam as a Military Intelligence Advisor, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA degree in 1973 and a MA degree in 1975. Although Gary was a certified teacher, he served as a proud and committed employee of the City of Cedar Falls for 35 years, retiring in December 2010 as City Clerk. He was a long-term member of the United Church of Christ and recently was looking forward to participation as a member of St. John American Lutheran Church.
Gary is survived by his mother, LaVonne, of Waukon; his wife, Mary Ann, of Cedar Falls; his children: Shawn (James) Bobst of Cedar Falls, Heather (Dan Potts) Locus of Chicago, IL, and Jason (Rachelle) Hesse of Jesup; his grandchildren: Jay (Alex) Gogola and Jaime Bobst, Tyce and Teagan Locus, Alexis and Brock Hesse, and Cade, Gavin, Tyler and Ava Nolan; his great-grandson, Brady Gogola; his siblings, Randy (Lori) Hesse, Wendy Bucheit, and Perry (Marcia) Hesse, all of Waukon, and Holly Hesse of Springfield, MO; numerous nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law, Beverly Stokes of Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roger; several aunts and uncles; his father- and mother-in law, Charles and Virginia Schanz; his brother-in-law, Melvin Stokes; a nephew, Scott Stokes; and Scooter, his constant pet companion of 14 years.
