Gerald A. ‘Jerry’ Hesch, 89

Published 1:33 am Sunday, December 18, 2016

Gerald A. “Jerry” Hesch, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s surrounded by his family on Dec. 15, 2016.

Gerald Hesch

Jerry was born in Barnes County, North Dakota, on April 26, 1927. He was the son of Alfred and Bertha Hesch. He attended a country school in North Dakota. His parents moved the family to Minnesota and he attended Sumner grade school in Austin and high school in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Those that knew and loved Jerry knew he had a wonderful sense of humor and he loved working to provide for his family. He worked as a bus driver early on and it was then that he met and fell in love with the love of his life, his wife Dorie, of 69 years. He often worked two jobs to support his family, nights at Hormel and ran heavy equipment during the day. After retiring from Hormel he worked as a mechanic at Cedar Valley in Austin, until he had his second retirement at age 80. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, car races and shooting his black powder gun, which he assembled himself.

Jerry is survived by his wife Dorie; daughters, Peggy Ellingson, Pam Hesch, Candy Bakker (Gary), Kathy Strasser, Robin Spande (David), and Mary Roszkowski (Matt); sons Joe Hesch and Mike Hesch (Lisa); and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Jerry was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all as well as a great provider for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Bertha Hesch; his sister, Irene Thrower; and his brother, Raymond (Pat) Hesch.

A special thank you to the staff at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin for their loving care and support. They went above and beyond what was expected of them. Also thank you to Mayer Funeral Home for all of the service arrangements.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Care Center.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.