Donald Ray Hesse 1933-2003

HESSE, JOCHIMS, FREERKING

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/27/2008 at 23:31:54

Sioux City Journal
7 March 2003

Mapleton, Iowa—Donald R. “Buddy” Hesse, 70, of Mapleton died Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Mapleton, with the Rev. Bob Fritzmeier and Richard Henpenius officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, with military rites conducted by American Legion Loren Hollister Post 496 of Mapleton. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton.

Donald Ray “Buddy” Hesse was born Jan. 9, 1933, near Ute, Iowa, the son of Emil and Viola (Jochims) Hesse. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Mapleton. Throughout his life, he was known to many as Buddy. He attended school in Mapleton and in 1950,he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

On June 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Shirley Freerking in Mapleton. His life’s work was with the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he worked for 35 plus years, retiring December 31, 1992.

He served his community as an eight-year member of the Mapleton City Council. He also was a member of American Legion Loren Hollister Post 496, the Western Iowa Cycle Riders,

International Gold Wing Road Riders Association and Retread Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed keeping himself busy with various hobbies, building three-wheel motorcycles, anything mechanical and became a very avid woodworker during his retirement. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his friends to many organized motorcycle events.

He very seldom missed a morning coffee break and game of cards with his close friends at the Beef & Brew. He especially enjoyed the time shared with his children and grandchildren.

Those survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 47 years, Shirley; a daughter Lynnette Lacey of Mapleton; a son and his wife, James and Cindy of Moville, Iowa; five grandchildren, Nathan, Nicole, Natalie, Nila and Marina; a sister, Donna Mae Belknap of Moville, Iowa; and other relatives, neighbors and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Darrell.