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Keith-Hesse-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments

Keith R. Hesse

Mapleton, Iowa

May 14, 1951 – Dec 20, 2016 (Age 65)

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BORN
May 14, 1951
DIED
December 20, 2016
AGE
65
LOCATION
Mapleton, Iowa

Obituary

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Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments Obituary

Keith R. Hesse, 65, of Mapleton, Iowa passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at his residence. Per Keith's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa. Keith Robert Hesse was born May 14, 1951 in Smithland, Iowa the son of Alvie A. and Alta R. (Davis) Hesse. He was confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Iowa. Keith graduated from Westwood High School in 1969. He received his Bachelors Degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE in 1973 and his Masters Degree from North West Missouri State University in 1985. Keith and Eileen Flaherty were united in marriage on September 27, 1991 at the Southwood Conservation Area near Smithland, Iowa. Keith taught art classes in Pocahontas, West Union, Italy, and Ida Grove. Keith owned and operated his business "Etched in Stone" in Smithland, Iowa, and his art gallery, "Studio II" in Mapleton, Iowa. He was a slate stone sculptor and his artwork has been sold, exhibited, and displayed nationally and internationally. Survivors include his wife of twenty-five years, Eileen Hesse of Mapleton, Iowa; his daughter, Victoria Hesse of Sioux City, Iowa; brothers and sisters, Pat (Paul) Adamson of Sioux City, IA, Alan (Cindy) Hesse of Council Bluffs, IA, Gayle Madsen of Sioux City, IA, Susan (Bob) Gulick of Olathe, KS, Diana (David) Schmidt of St. Joseph, MO, and Dr. Curtis Hesse of Mapleton, IA; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Dunn of Manasquan, NJ; two brothers-in-law, Peter (Deborah) Flaherty of Chicago, IL and Thomas (Janice) Flaherty of Aberdeen, NJ; one sister-in-law, Kerry (Bob) Reilly of Manasquan, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie and Alta (Davis) Hesse; father-in-law, Thomas Flaherty; and step-father-in-law, Bill Dunn. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com

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Is the same Keith Hesse that was a social worker for the Iowa Department of Social Services in the late 70's? If it is and I believe it may very well be as I shared an office with Keith in the fall of 1978 in Manchester, Iowa. Keith had taught art before taking a job as a social worker. Keith did not have a degree in social work but was in my opinion one of the best social workers to ever do the job. I lost track of Keith and am not surprised that he had a great career in art. Keith...

RANDY MARQUARDT

March 17, 2023 | Manchester

Just saw the sad news of Keith's passing in the Wayne State magazine. We lived on the same dorm floor for a year at Wayne. Recognized his name and hometown right away. I was from Paullina in NW Iowa also. That brought us together as friends. Wish we would have stayed in touch through the years. You are in our prayers.

Randy Schmith

February 22, 2017 | Lincoln, NE | Classmate

...I was one of Keith's college art teachers and grew to like him very much. Our friendship continued after he graduated from college. I always thought of him as a bit of a 'gentle giant'. His art skills were advanced and he continued to develop them through the years. I have no doubt Keith was a good art teacher as he had the know how, the patience, and the caring attitude required for the job. Fortunate were his students. ...Eileen and Victoria, thinking of you two...and sharing a bit...

Carlos Frey

February 15, 2017 | San Tan Valley, AZ | Teacher

Eileen, Thinking of you and memories from way back. My sympathies, Carolyn Wodtke Wells

Carolyn Wodtke Wells

January 07, 2017 | Boone, IA | Friend

Sorry for your loss prayers for his family in this difficult time

Patricia Eneboe

December 25, 2016 | Arthur, IA | Acquaintance

so sorry for your loss we love stopping in the store to see what he had even to buy peace to you

Fay, royce miller

December 23, 2016 | Anthon, IA | Friend

My condolences to Mr. Hesse's family. He was a great teacher, person, and friend. I hope he and his family know how much of an impact he has had on so many student's lives. He helped me find focus and has helped mold me into the person I am today with an appreciation for the arts. He was such a light in the BC-IG High School hall ways with his smiles, jokes, and laid back style. I just want to thank Mr. Hesse and his family for putting up with multiple vehicles full of high schoolers in...

Kim Stevenson

December 23, 2016 | Holstein, IA | Student

So sorry for your loss. He was my favorite teacher in high school, and he really changed my life. I was going through a pretty rough time in high school, and Mr. Hesse taught me to use art as an outlet. He cared a lot about his students and their success. He was the favorite teacher of many, and he loved his family very much. The world lost a great man. My condolences.

Christa Kranig

December 23, 2016 | Yankton, SD | Student

Godspeed Keith.

Wayne Shattuck

December 22, 2016 | Clearwater, FL | Friend

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