Charles James HESS

HESS Charles James Charles J. Hess, 85 of Perrysburg, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010 at The Manor At Perrysburg. He was born May 25, 1925 in Crystal City, MO to Charles and Emma (Dietrich) Hess. Charles grew up in Perrysburg; was a graduate of St. Rose School and Perrysburg High School where he was a member of the school band, playing the trumpet, and was on the football team. Charlie remained very close with his school friends throughout his life. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his heroism while serving in Guam and Guadalcanal. Charles attended BGSU, where he studied accounting and was a member of the football team. He married Jane Agnes Weller on June 21st, 1946 at St. Rose Church, where he and his family were lifelong parishioners. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Charlie worked and retired as a supervisor at the LOF East Broadway plant where he had worked for over 30 years. Charlie had numerous hobbies ranging from music to woodworking, gardening and fishing. As the family grew, his carpentry skills enabled him to build a sizeable addition to the Mandell Road homestead. He was a "do it yourself guy" who would never shy away from a new challenge. His passion for building grew significantly post retirement, with a unique skill at design/ building furniture and art pieces. One notable project was inspired by a visit to Monet's garden, Giverny in France. His interpretation included a unique pergola and arbor, which is still a pleasure to the family today. Charlie often assisted the Country Garden Club on many of its biannual flower shows, using his woodworking / gardening skills. He left his carpentry mark in every one of his children's homes across the country, ranging from rocking horses for the grandchildren, to trundle beds, to custom shelves. His love of the arts was contrasted across several genres, such as jazz trumpet and the Strauss Waltz. His idols were Al Hirt, Jonah Jones, and Dizzy Gillespie. His unique blend of activities included wine making and the upkeep of his fresh garden of vegetables and herbs. He kept in shape through activities such as competitive handball at the Central YMCA He was an avid fisherman, noted for not being willing to return to shore until at least 50 perch were in the boat. Once ashore, no-one complained when Charlie and his buddies prepared the catch of the day using Charlie's family recipe handed down by his father, also a famous fisherman. Charlie and Jane spent many summers in Canada and throughout the US visiting their children. In addition they spent many great days at local Sand Beach, at a family cottage. He is survived by his children, Camela (Steve) Nitschke of Perrysburg, Stephen (Dana) Hess of Dublin, OH, Molly (Jack) Carpenter of Maumee, David Hess of Westfield, NJ and Charles (Jennifer) Hess of Columbus, OH. Charlie and Jane have 11 grand-children, Meigen (Scott) McIntyre, Heather (Andrew) Westmeyer, Maribeth Nitschke, Stephen Nitschke, Taylor Hess, Logan Hess, Ryan Hess, Keegan Hess, Parker Hess, Griffen Hess, Emmet Hess and 5 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and their families. Friends will be received from 3-9 P.M. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E South Boundary St., Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where a Scripture Service will begin at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evening. Prayers will begin in the funeral home on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 10:15 A.M. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at St. Rose Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Rose Church, 215 E Front Street, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551, The Salvation Army, 620 N Erie Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604, or The Wood County Burial Corp c/o the American Legion Post 28, 130 W. Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Condolences may be made directly to the family by visiting: www.witzlershank.com