HESLEY, Charles R. (1920-2005)

HESLEY, SONERHOLM, PANNKUK, MALEK, HADDIX, BREDBERG

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 3/10/2016 at 22:22:17

Charles Hesley, 1920-2005

December 28, 2005

Charles "Raleigh" Hesley, of Britt, died on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. He was 85.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 23, at the Britt Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Joel DeBoer officiated. Music was provided by pianist, Peg Eisenman who accompanied vocalist, Joel DeBoer and a congregational hymn. Harlan Eeekhoff and Louis Smidt ushered.

Honorary casket bearers were Duane Francis, Merrill Olson, Joe Appelhons and Elmer Sweers. Casket bearer were Ron Smidt, Roger Haxton, Kenny Terhark, Gary Olson, Roger Allen, Ron Eisenman, Jon Swenson and Pat Trulson. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Graveside military services were provided by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Raleigh, the son of Harold and Olga Henrietta "Hattie" (Sonerholm) Hesley, was born on March 31, 1920 in Britt. He was raised in Britt and attended the Britt Schools.

On October 7, 1941, Raleigh enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for almost four years. A very decorated soldier, Raleigh received the American Defense Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Service Stripe and four Overseas Service Bars. Following his discharge in 1945, he returned to Britt.

On March 3, 1948, Raleigh married Bertha Pannkuk in Buffalo Center. The couple made their home in Britt, where Raleigh was employed at the Fullerton Lumber Company, Artes Produce and then Woodford-Wheeler Lumber Company. He retired in August of 1987.

Raleigh had a great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and watching baseball. He also enjoyed going to Wyoming and visiting the mountains. He was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church, Britt Fire Department, VFW and American Legion.

Survivors include two daughters, Beverly Malek and husband, Duane of Britt, Sue Haddix and husband, David of Gillette, Wyoming; two sons, Dale Hesley and wife, Linda of Britt and Steve Hesley and wife, Giovanna of Oracle, Arizona; six grandchildren, Jason (Amy), Jeremy, Jennifer (Mike), Nick, Tyler, Dylan; a great-granddaughter, Taylor; a sister, Christal Bredberg of Blue Earth, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bertha in 1987; an infant daughter, Pamela; four brothers, Jerry, Maitland, Richard and Thomas.

©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005