Richard L. Hessenius
Marshalltown
Richard L. Hessenius, 84, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 28, 2014 at Hope United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Hope United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Green Mountain Cemetery in Green Mountain. Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 West Main Street. Memorials may be directed to Green Mountain Elementary School and Preschool, Green Mountain Lions Club or Iowa River Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Richard was born November 19, 1929 to Henry and Helen (Clark) Adeane Hessenius in Melbourne, Iowa. He graduated from Melbourne High School in 1947, then went to University of Iowa where he received his B.S. and M.A., graduating in 1951. After college, Richard enlisted in the Army, following basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas, he went to Officer's training school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma graduating as a Second Lieutenant, then returning home. Richard was united in marriage to his high school sweet heart, Betty White on October, 25, 1952, in Melbourne, IA. Following their marriage, Richard and Betty went to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he finished his tour of duty and was promoted to First Lieutenant.
Richard took a teaching job at Green Mountain High School where he taught mathematics, science and coached all sports, boys and girls. While at Green Mountain, Richard was in the Army Reserve for nine years, being promoted to Captain during this time. Richard spent a year at Iowa State University receiving his Specialist degree. He also spent time at Drake University and Kansas State University for math graduate work. Richard was principal and became superintendent for the rest of his career, totaling 40 years at Green Mountain Schools. For the last 30 years there he was superintendent of Green Mountain and Garwin, and helped the two become GMG.
Richard's wife, Betty, passed away January 27, 2009, after 54 great years spent together. They spent many winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, but the most important thing to them was spending time with their family.
Richard was on many different boards, including: Marshalltown School Board, Marshall County Fair Board, City Planning and Zoning Committee, Iowa Girls Athletic Board (also serving as president) and Iowa Boys Athletic Union.
Richard will be missed by his three children: David Hessenius of Marshalltown, Peggy Lynch of Marshalltown and Robert (Dana) Hessenius of Marshalltown; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife.
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2 Entries
Dear Hessenius family,
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you at the passing of Dick.
We didn't know that he was bad, or anything about Dick in the past year or so. We are both so very sorry to hear this. We have such wonderful, and fun memories of Dick, and Betty of course also. We went on many trips with them, and at the lake, and here at our home. We especially remember the trips to England and Germany and Austria etc. Playing ball all those years together, and such fun every Friday night when we would all go out and eat. We did these things for many years, and our memories are many. A group of ballplayers came and stayed with us one weekend here on the farm, and the laughs and things we did were crazy and fun.
As I said it is with great sadness on our part that I write this, but the memories will always stay with us. Our thoughts are with you all. Ken and Bev Martin
May 17, 2014
You were always an inspiration to all of us, in your many leadership roles in AZ
Neil/Clara Burkel
May 17, 2014
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