Neal James Hessen

Neal James Hessen, age 73, of Port Charlotte, FL, and Brule, WI, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his home in Florida surrounded by his wife and children, after a long illness.

He was born July 19, 1952, in Duluth, MN, to Neil L. Hessen and Marie "Mimi" (Butler) Hessen. He attended Duluth East High School ('70) and UMD. He married Kathleen Flewell in 1974, and they moved to Spokane, WA, where Neal attended Gonzaga Univ. Law School, and then Drake Univ. in Des Moines, IA, where he completed his JD degree in 1977.

He enjoyed a long career with Fryberger Law Firm in Duluth, specializing in real estate law, and served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards throughout the community, including Essentia Health Systems, Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center, Park State Bank, City of Duluth Civil Service Board, Duluth Housing Trust Fund, Community Investment Fund of Duluth, Greater Downtown Council, St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center (The Depot), Duluth Skyline Rotary Club, Duluth Art Institute, and Brule River Preservation.

Neal was an active outdoorsman throughout his life. He was a ski jumper as a youth and enjoyed family ski trips in his adult years. He was a capable golfer, and forged numerous friendships through his love for the game, some lasting 60 years or more. An avid boater and fisherman, he loved spending time on the water, including Island Lake, the Brule River, and in Florida. He was a member of several outdoor camps, including Schoolhouse, Plushville, and The Vermillion Club.

His greatest joy centered on activities with his family, and he was an especially proud father and grandfather. He was a beloved presence at family gatherings, known for his playful "interviews" with nieces, nephews, and friends about school and life-always with genuine interest. He proudly earned the title of Favorite Uncle across two generations.

Neal and Kathy loved entertaining, and an invitation to a dinner party or a similar event at the Hessens' house was something to treasure. Their Thanksgiving dinners were legendary, often featuring traditional roast turkey, a non-traditional turkey offering, and a Mystery Meat, of which guests had to guess the species before dessert was served.

Blessed with a quick smile and a sharp wit, he had many friends who enjoyed spending time with him. He had a talent for picking unique and fun gifts to give to friends and family members for various occasions, which were sometimes accompanied by a personalized note, poem, or limerick.

Neal is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy, children Kraig (Hanni), Kurt (Megan), and Katie (Chris), grandchildren Mirabelle, Isla, Connor, Aidan, Henry, Hazel; siblings Jon (Joan) Hessen of MT, Joel Hessen of MN, and Jana Hessen of AK; and nieces and nephews Kelly, Keith, Kristopher, Kiana, Andy, Jamie, and Phoebe. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Neal can be sent to Brule River Preservation, PO Box 15, Brule, WI 54820. A memorial gathering is being planned for a later date.