Gary Hesse

***Services will be live-streamed on the church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stjohncf/ Gary Lee Hesse, 75, died on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home in Cedar Falls after a brief illness. He was born on November 30, 1948, in Decorah, IA, 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, on 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. Gary is survived by his mother, LaVonne of Waukon; wife, Mary Ann of Cedar Falls; children, Shawn (James) Bobst of Cedar Falls, Heather (Dan Potts) Locus of Chicago, IL, and Jason (Rachelle) Hesse of Jesup; grandchildren, Jay (Alex) Gogola and Jaime Bobst, Tyce and Teagan Locus, Alexis and Brock Hesse, and Cade, Gavin, Tyler and Ava Nolan; great-grandson, Brady Gogola; siblings, Randy (Lori) Hesse, Wendy Bucheit, and Perry (Marcia) Hesse, all of Waukon, and Holly Hesse of Springfield, MO; 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; father- and mother-in law, Charles and Virginia Schanz; brother-in-law, Melvin Stokes; nephew, Scott Stokes; and Scooter, his constant pet companion of 14 years. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls with visitation one hour prior. Interment with military honors at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or a charity of choice.

Gary Hesse

November 30, 1948 - November 5, 2024