Josh Hessel

Josh Hessel entered into rest on Sunday September 28, 2025, at the age of 54. Precious son of Jerry and Kay, nee Conners, Hessel; beloved brother of Jay (Cindy) Hessel and Jennifer (Jeff Fritz) David; cherished uncle to Allison, Rowan, Justin, and Jonathan; and pet dad to his dear cat, Pearl. Josh is also survived by many other relatives and countless friends.

Josh was born the first day of June 1971 in St. Louis, Missouri, to joyful parents, Jerry and Kay Hessel. Immediately, Josh’s genuine personality was a treasured addition to the Hessel household. Throughout his life, Josh was known for his clever intelligence. He was not only book smart, but quick-witted, ready with a joke or brainteaser to share laughter and smiles. He is remembered for the small effective joke of adding googly-eyes onto inanimate objects—a joke that never got old!

Josh is mainly remembered by his family and friends for his unconventional but outstanding personality. He was a gentle giant whose kindness and generosity allowed him to find friends in all sorts of communities. As a fraud control analyst, he used his patience and kindness every day to assist clients through their issues. And while he was very proficient in his work, Josh worked to live, rather than lived to work. He found immense joy in his hobbies and friendships. He loved to play games with friends and was the creator of Joshtocon; made many memories on his beloved Vespa scooter; and was known to appreciate the upbeat nature of Ska music.

Josh was truly a one-of-a-kind soul who will be greatly missed by all who had the chance to know him. Our loss is mourned but may Josh’s incredible and authentic life be celebrated. May he rest in peace.

A visitation for Josh's family and friends to gather and share memories will be held on Saturday December 6, 2025, at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Parlors 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129 from 1:00 PM until his Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 4:00 PM in the funeral home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Southern Poverty Law Center, CARE St. Louis (Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment St. Louis), THISTL (Trans Housing Initiative St. Louis), or St. Louis Area Food Bank. Monetary donations are surely appreciated and generous, but contributions of time or any act of kindness, no matter how small, are a meaningful way to honor Josh.