Memorial services for Thomas Hesse of Morris, MN will be held Monday, October 10, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Morris. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Scandia East Cemetery, rural Cyrus.
On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 Thomas John Hesse was released from the worry, pain and suffering of pancreatic cancer.
Tom was born February 19, 1952 to Lynn and Rita (Otte) Hesse in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He graduated from Morris High School in 1970 and attended St. Cloud State University for one year. He returned to Morris where he was employed for 20 years at Morris Coop/Cenex and later took a sales position at Superior Industries where he retired after 21 years. The last few years he has served as Superior's Canadian Sales Representative for the Components Division. In his Canadian travels, as with everywhere he went, Tom made friends and many continued to keep in touch with him even after retirement.
He married Barbara Olson of Cyrus on June 21, 1975. They made their first home in Cyrus and later in rural Cyrus where they continued to live.
Tom was always up for a conversation and giving a word of encouragement to anyone who needed a lift. His ready smile was a treasured trait.
Tom was a devoted husband, loving and supportive father. His two children and son-in-law were the light of his life. Whether it was out hunting, cutting down this year's Christmas tree or touring Universal Studios – time with them was a treasure. He was dedicated to his parents and his Mother and Father-in-law, Tilford and Rachel Olson. Tom was the ultimate example of what a son-in-law should be.
Tom and Barb loved to decorate for Christmas and Tom was famous for his homemade Christmas snacks, especially fudge and divinity (which he learned to make from his Mother). He also canned beautiful and delicious pear sauce and made wonderful omelets - flipping them over the sink - just in case he missed the pan.
He loved announcing and keeping the clock at Morris High School girls volleyball and basketball games. His clear voice rang with enthusiasm for his beloved Tigers. He and Barb loved riding their Harley - it was difficult to reach them on a beautiful day as they would be out riding by themselves or with their dear friends Jeff and Sandy. Tom was always willing to make many stops so Barb could take pictures. He also enjoyed working in their spacious yard and multiple flower beds.
Tom and Barb were active in the Patriot Guard organization and served as co-leaders of the MN National Guard Family Readiness group when Charlie Battery deployed in 2009 as well as for the 175th FSC until January of 2015. Tom was also involved in the Morris Softball league for 48 years as player and umpire.
Tom is survived by his caring wife, Barb; son, Jon Hesse of Fargo, ND and daughter, Kellie (Michael) Ashby of Upland, CA; brothers, Skip, Rick (Julie), Joe (Sara) all of Morris and Dale (Trish) of Mountain Rest, SC; his brother-in-law, Bruce Olson (Marie Anderson) of Alexandria and sister-in-law, Terryle Olson of Washington, DC as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sharon Dahl; his infant sister, Jean Rose and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
In Lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials in Tom's name to Pancreatic Cancer Research or the Caringbridge Web Site. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences to the family please visit www.pedersenfh.com.