Richard C. Hessenius, 93, of Austin died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at the Cedars of Austin.

Richard Casper Hessenius was born Dec. 28, 1920, at Brownsdale, Minnesota, the son of Ned E. and Alice (Voogd) Hessenius. He graduated from Pacelli High School in the class of 1939. While in high school he earned the title of State Discus champion. On Dec. 8, 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a signalman during WWII. He was a retired employee of the Hormel Foods Corporation and had been a member of the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams and Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin.

Richard loved all sports and enjoyed playing cribbage. He was also an expert at crypto quips and solving crossword puzzles.

Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Jacobson; his parents; two sisters; one brothe; and son-in-law Alan Jacobson.

He is survived by his children: Gary (Bev) Hessenius, Rose Creek, Minnesota, Diane Palumbo, Austin, Minnesota, Mark (Vicki) Hessenius, Dexter, Minnesota, Craig (Linda) Hessenius, Rochester, Minnesota, Joel (Lisa) Hessenius, New Richland, Minnesota; grandchildren: Lisa, Chris, Ryan, Tony, Eric, Heather, Ben, Leah, Elizabeth, Shannon, Jordan and Nicole; great-grandchildren: Hera, Wynnston, Jons, Madyson, Kleyton, Bryer, Camylle, Brinley, Nik, Lydia, Mitchell, Zach and Azi.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov., 7, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery with Austin Post No. 91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of the service.