David John Hess

David John Hess, age 83, of Brighton, CO, passed away peacefully at Jaxpoint Memory Care on Friday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Glendive, Montana on July 22, 1942, David was the eldest of six children of Aileen (Cooper) Hess and John W. Hess. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Fallon, Montana, attended school in Fallon, and later graduated from Terry High School in 1961.

On November 10, 1962, David married his high school sweetheart, Diedree Ban of Terry, MT. Together, they took over the ranch from her parents, Ivan and Hattie Ban. Over the years, they welcomed Michele Mary, Candice Kay, Pamela Jean, Michael Dean, and Duane Lee to their family. The family ran the farm/ranch until 1983, when they sold it and moved to Terry.
After their move, David briefly worked for the county road crew. When he sustained a back injury, he returned to college, studying electrical technology in Wahpeton, ND, earning his associate degree and beginning a dynamic career that spanned several states. In 1986, David and Diedree relocated to Milpitas, CA, later moving to Salt Lake City in 1990 for a year, and finally settling in Broomfield, CO in 1991. From rebuilding electric motors for mining equipment, to working as a mechanic, or truck driving, David's resilience and work ethic were ever-present. He ultimately found his true passion as an electrical technician in the robotics industry, building electrical panels with precision and pride.

In 1996, David and Diedree made their home in Brighton, where they resided together until 2023, when David transitioned to memory care.

David was devoted to his Catholic faith and served in many roles over the years, including Eucharistic Minister, lector, greeter, and parish board member. He also served on the local school and fair boards while living in Montana. David was a true jack-of-all-trades. He ran cattle, planted crops, fixed machinery, and taught his kids the values of responsibility and perseverance. He was a pilot, flying to check cattle, shuttle locals, and commute from Terry to Wahpeton while attending college. David's final flight was made possible through Wish of a Lifetime in August 2024, where he enjoyed the beauty of Colorado's farmland. He had a passion for craftsmanship-especially leather tooling and woodworking-and created everything from saddles and belts to custom cedar chests and oak cabinetry. He and Diedree enjoyed dancing, gardening, card games, spending time with their dogs, and most of all, a house full of family.

David is survived by children: Michele Sanders of Gypsum, CO; Candice Dow (Steven) of Brighton, CO; Pam Bartholomay of Littleton, CO; and Duane Hess (Clara) of Loveland, CO. He also leaves behind his brothers Tim (Karen) Hess of Terry, MT, Tom (Darlene) Hess of Billings, MT, and Ken (Vicky) Hess of Miles City, MT, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diedree, son Mike, siblings Richard (Lola) Hess and LeAnn (Gary) Meidinger, and his parents John and Aileen Hess.