James H. 'Jim' Hesse, 87, Spirit Lake

A funeral service for James H. “Jim” Hesse was held Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake, with Rev. Paul Dare officiating.

Pallbearers were Brett Nelson, Jeff Hesse, Brad Hesse, Matt Hesse, Chase Hesse and Ryan Hesse. Honorary pallbearers were Morgan Swenson, Molly Swenson, Brandon Bichler, Alexis Lensch and Ava Lensch. Burial was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

James Henry “Jim” Hesse was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 1936, at the Hand Hospital in Hartley, to Will H. and Nina (Halverson) Hesse. He was baptized Dec. 13, 1936 and confirmed on March 18, 1951, at Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hartley, where he grew up with his three siblings: Lee, JoAnn and Bill.

While in school Jim participated in track and field, holding records in the events in which he competed. He was also honored with an invitation to attend Hawkeye Boys’ State in 1954. Always a dog lover, Jim won numerous ribbons for training and showing German Shorthairs. He graduated from Hartley High School with the Class of 1955 and continued his education by attending the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis. He was inducted as a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and played piccolo in the Gopher Marching Band.

Jim was united in marriage to Helen Irene Hansen on Aug. 4, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore. To this union three daughters were born: Jean, Carol and Cynthia. They became the pride and joy of his life. He enjoyed teaching them the finer points of fishing and how to float above the water on skis. He treasured the times they spent together and looked forward to attending all their various activities. In later years, five grandchildren would be added to the family, each one a special blessing to him.

In the early 60s, Jim assumed ownership of Hub Clothiers in downtown Hartley. During this time he was active in the Hartley Chamber of Commerce, becoming a lifetime member and serving as chairman of the Retail Committee for many years. Following the sale of the Hub, he was employed with Otis/Charles A. Brown Clothiers in Spencer. He then worked at BrownMed in Spirit Lake, retiring after 20-plus years of dedicated service.

While living in Hartley, Jim sat on the board of directors for Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club. He always enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Cooking chicken on the grill or frying fish became his specialty and he took great pleasure in sharing his catch with family and friends. While he valued his time surrounded by nature, most important to Jim was his Christian faith which was reflected in his life. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley, serving on the Consistory and as an usher.

Jim passed away on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Medina, Minn. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; daughters: Jean (Kurt) Bichler, of Pittsboro, N.C.; Carol (special friend, David Burns), of Medina, Minn.; and Cynthia (Dr. Chad) Lensch, of Ankeny; grandchildren: Morgan and Molly Swenson, Brandon (fiancée Samantha) Bichler, Alexis and Ava Lensch; brother, Will K. Hesse; brother-in-law, Phil Thomas; sister-in-law, Jean Hansen; brother-in-law, Paul Hansen (fiancée, Shirley Klein); nephews and their families; cousins and their families; and many dear friends - new and old.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; parents-in-law, Herman and Irene Hansen; brother, LeRoy (Carolyn Kay) Hesse; sister, JoAnn Thomas; sister-in-law, Linda Hesse; brother-in-law, Carl Hansen; sister-in-law, Rosanne Hansen; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.