Joseph Harvey Hess, age 89, of Iola, Kansas, passed away October 29, 2025, at Moran Manor, Moran, Kansas. Joe was born December 28, 1935, in Archie, Missouri, to Joseph Henry Hess and Dorothy Mae (George) Hess.
Joe earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and an additional 60 hours beyond a master's degree in biology. Joe was a high school counselor and he sold insurance.
Joe and Jeanette Rhea Deater were married September 15, 1998, in LeRoy, Kansas.
Joe did a lot of ministry, including prison ministry, jail ministry, taught Bible studies at the church and at Moran Manor. He liked to fish and preach.
Joe was president of the Iola Senior Center. He was very civic minded and was a big advocate for Iola to build the new elementary school.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanette; son, Brian Hess; and several siblings.
Joe is survived by children, Jennifer Hess, Laura Hess, Ellen (Bob) Pratt, Andrew (Gayle) Hess; step-children, Carla (Mike) Linhart, Teresa (John) Porter, Cindy Leibold; five grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great grandchildren, two siblings, Janice Strawbridge, Glenn Hess; and numerous other relatives and very close friends.
A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with a funeral service following at 10:30 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to First Church of the Nazarene (Iola, Kansas), and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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