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James K. Hesslink

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Wauwatosa East High School

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Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

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James Hesslink Obituary

Name: Visitation for James K. Hesslink
Start: 2013-12-06T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-12-07T00:00:00.000Z
Location: New Life Community Church

Hesslink, James K. Found peace on Nov. 27, 2013. Age 73 years. Loving husband of Karen (nee Decker) for 24 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Frances. Dear son-in-law of Jack (the late Brenda) Decker. Loving twin brother of Jerry (Susan) and Lynne Kusch and brother-in-law of Paul (Terry), David and Jason (Tiffany) Decker. Proud uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews. Further survived by other relatives and many, many friends. Jim taught his first five years at Richland Center and his next 32 years at Wauwatosa East High School, where he had an incredible impact on his students. His faith was very important to him along with his passions in life; music, sports and his beloved pets. A Memorial Service will be held on Fri. Dec. 6 at 6 PM at New Life Community Church, 11919 W. Bradley Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53224. Visitation at the Church from 4 PM until time of Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Diabetes Association or the Church are appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hesslink

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

22 Entries

Michael A Rebhahn

March 12, 2021

I'm sorry I only just thought to look for this. Mr. Hesslink was my US History Teacher at Richland Center High School and I remember that he also had a band and did some recordings. "Kansas City" and "Mule Skinner Blues" I think. Anyway, he inspired me to become a History Teacher as well, even though I remember vividly that I failed the first "pop" quiz he gave because I hadn't done the assigned reading. 38 Years at Wausau East High.

stan

January 5, 2021

Still would have been a great hurler for us..

Claudia Browne

November 25, 2019

Dear Lynn, I read this a few years ago, but it came up again (from Legacy) in my e-mail today. I would so love to see you again sometime! Im in Ann Arbor, & believe you are in AZ. My sister lives in Tucson, & I generally visit each year. Maybe we could connect?! So sorry to hear about your dear brothers.
Thinking fondly (& sometimes laughingly!) of our Tosa days ! ♥
Claudia (Ream) Browne

Cindy Hoover Colon

November 13, 2014

I'm very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great teacher and musician. He showed up at our class reunion once. He hadn't changed.

Ken Montanye

January 19, 2014

I am so saddened to read of Jim's passing. I taught with him for three years at 'Tosa East. We played softball and basketball together, and enjoyed many Thursday nights on our "Spiritus Fermenti" bowling team. He was such a good friend, and I have thought of him often in the years since I left the Milwaukee area. To Jerry...my deepest sympathies; to Karen...I wish I could have met you (maybe I did back in the day?), and I am so sorry for your loss.

Jean Eder

December 16, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Hesslink's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at Wauwatosa East. My condolences to his family. Jean E.

Stan. Fritzi Goplen

December 12, 2013

Our sympathy to the family, great guy, wonderful smile, wished he would have played baseball with us, heck of an arm.
Will always be remembered

Brian and Kari Olson

December 10, 2013

We remember Jim in happier days, and always felt a fondness for him. OUr sympathies to Karen, Jerry and all family.

Cheri Fry

December 7, 2013

I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Hesslink's passing. Mr. Hesslink was my American History teacher at Tosa East 1967-1968. He was a fantastic teacher who inspired his students and encouraged my love of history, which I maintain to this day... I also remember that he and his twin brother's band played at our Homecoming Dance, fall of 1967. I am very sad to hear of his death, he remains one of my favorite teachers. Cheri Lynn Fry Wauwatosa East Class of 1968

December 7, 2013

Just heard of Jim's passing, I am sorry for your loss, I bowled with Jim and Jerry years ago..you are all in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless
Lori Jesmok (Endter)

Bob Totten

December 7, 2013

I have just learned of Jim's passing and am sorry I did not hear of it before the services. He will always remain a special influence on my life and I am deeply saddened at his having left us so soon. I especially want to offer my codolences to his wife,Karen and his brother Jerry and wife Susan(my dear classmate from R.C. God Bless You all .
Bob Totten

Diana Marienthal/Callen

December 4, 2013

I have so many "fun" memories of Jim and the softball gang. I can't think of Jim without thinking of the song "SUNDOWN" which everyone sang to many a time. Sorry I can't be there for the funeral(in Florida for several months), but my thoughts and prayers go out to you Karen and Jim's family.

John Poole

December 3, 2013

I just learned of Jim's death and am saddened by the news. I remember Jim as a teacher at Richland Center High School--and he was a darn good one, I might add. After graduation I would get to know the "real Jim" through a close friendship with others in the area and, of course, The Gnomes! It takes very little to picture very clearly Jim, Jerry, and The Gnomes performing on Friday nights at the Jitterbug and on Saturday nights at The Rivers Edge. We typically would go out to dinner prior to these events--and I'm not sure Emily Post would have approved of our dining etiquette, but it was a total blast.

I last saw Jim at our class reunion a few years ago. It was so easy to just pick up where we'd left off--regardless the number of years since we'd seen each other.

He was a wonderful guy. You have my sincere sympathies. I trust your good memories will help sustain you--as they will me. Those memories are many ... and all very, very good.

Rest in peace, Jim.

December 3, 2013

My sincerest condolences

December 2, 2013

Dear Karen and Hesslink Family - There are no words that express how much Jim was loved and will be missed. You are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. Love, Barb Howe

December 2, 2013

Dearest Karen and all the Hesslink family - there are no words. We are so sorry! Loving blessings and deepest sympathy to you all..... Nancy and Scott Mohr

Craig Mulder

December 2, 2013

I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Although it's been years since we spoke I still have memories of the' big kids' from the Oostburg Lake Michigan beach gang. As a beach neighbor I looked up to and admired the entire Hesslink family. It was a nice way to grow up with lots of good memories. Jim was one of those.

Jen Wolf

December 2, 2013

I met one of my best friends in the freshman US history class that Mr. Hesslink taught. We're still best friends and stood up in each other's weddings. Good thing he assigned us seats right next to each other. So sorry for your loss!

December 2, 2013

Karen,
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love Debbie Conner

Ron and June Curtis

December 1, 2013

We are truly sorry for your loss, but rejoice that Jim is with Jesus! We had some good times with Jim and Jerry in Richland Center. For the Christian, the dark sorrows of earth will one day be changed into the bright songs of heaven...Daily Bread

Claudia Browne

December 1, 2013

My sympathies to your dear family, Lynn. I didn't know your brother well, just his musical talents from long ago! I would love to re-connect with you, Lynn -- don't know where you are living now. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Wish I could be there Friday. My thoughts and warm wishes are with you.

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