Dr. Sheldon Thomas Hess

Dr. Sheldon Thomas Hess of Bloomington passed away September 11, 2024, at the age of 85, following a brief hospitalization.
Born January 4, 1939, to Walter and Alyce Hess, Sheldon grew up in Austin, MN, and graduated from Austin High School in 1957. He attended Hamline University for two years and then transferred to the University of Minnesota, eventually earning his M.D. from the U of M Medical School in 1965. He was a physician for 34 years, ending his career at Bloomington Health Partners, the same clinic he opened in the early 1970s as Group Health.
Sheldon met the love of his life when they were both in the fourth grade, and he decided then that he would marry her one day. His wish came true when he wed Kären Matison on July 21, 1962, a cherished union that lasted 48 years until her passing in 2010. Together they raised two children and many German Shepherds, built a beautiful home that they both adored, traveled and entertained with close friends, and generally enjoyed the fruits of their demanding careers.
One of Sheldon's greatest passions involved cars, and Kären would always wonder, especially when spring rolled around, what new vehicle she would see coming up the driveway. He was particularly fond of classic Chevys, an affection perhaps rooted in the first car he owned at age 16 - a '38 Chevy coupe, good for carrying exactly 25 rolls of sod in the pickup box on the back (the 26th roll caused the front tires to lift off the ground). Sheldon and Kären would regularly enjoy cruising together with their car club, top down on sunny summer days, or just windows down on chilly autumn days, admiring the turning leaves. Car show season, especially "Back to the 50s," was his favorite time of the year.
Following the loss of his wife, Sheldon was able to find comfort among the community of fellow car enthusiasts at the Chanhassen AutoMotorPlex, spending countless hours at this sanctuary. He was also, after a few more years, ready to open his heart again. For the last decade of his life, Sheldon enjoyed the wonderful companionship of Lee Claar, and hisfamily is forever grateful for her patience, sense of humor, and ability to bring a smile back to his face.
Sheldon is preceded in death by his wife, Kären Matison Hess; parents, Walter and Alyce Hess; and sister, Sandra Chase. He is survived by his two children, Christine (Craig) Orthmann of Rosemount, MN, and Timothy Hess of Bloomington, MN; four grandchildren: Katrina, Timmy, Annabel, and Lilian; partner, Lee Claar; and several cousins and dear friends.
A gathering to share memories of Sheldon will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the Werness Brothers Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sheldon's memory to: · Grey Face Rescue & Retirement: https://www.greyfacerescue.org/dedications-tributes · Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Regents of the University of Minnesota through its Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (blackbaudhosting.com)