Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Patrick J. Hessian

Patrick Hessian Obituary

HESSIAN

Monsignor PATRICK J. HESSIAN

Born May 20, 1928. Raised in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Ordained a Catholic Priest May 30, 1953. Assigned Saint James Parish, Saint Paul. Entered the U.S. Army Reserve 1958. Served on active duty, 1963 to 1986. Retired from U.S. Army as Chief of Chaplains, rank of Major General. Was Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, 1988 to 1991. Assisted on weekends at a number of parishes then and thereafter.

Survived by siblings, Robert E. (Helen) Hessian of Minneapolis, MN, Joann (Alvin) Heinz of Henderson, MN, Thomas (Bunny) Hessian of Shakopee, MN, Sheila (Greg) Dorneman of Carlos, MN, Michael (Cynthia) Hessian of Farmington, MN and Marguerite (Pete) Kaczynski of Lakeville, MN; many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends all over the world.

Died September 8, 2007. Mass of the Resurrection at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church, Belle Plaine, MN at 11 a.m.. Thursday, September 13, 2007. Visitation two hours prior to Mass at church.

Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Belle Plaine, MN.

May he rest in peace in God's Love!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Hessian

32 Entries

October 15, 2007

To the family anf friends of Father (as I knew him) Hessian: At a time when young people were pulling away from our church in droves, Father Hessian showed up and had such fun with us that encouraged some of us to stay, and others to come back. I'm only sorry he didn't stay at our parish, but, obviously he had other things to do. I wish I had stayed in touch with him. When he left, our church never recovered the connection with the teens and young adults.

Thank you Father/Monsignor Hessian for showing some of us how to live, love and laugh.

My sympathy to the family and friends.

Shanna Colucci Ferber

September 22, 2007

I have very fond memories of Father Hessian. His presence during family gatherings was always a special treat. I was always anxious to hear about all of his travels around the world. Since I am Korean adopted, I especially cherished his stories from the times he spent in South Korea. He was the first person that I'd ever met who had actually been there.

I loved him for many reasons but most of all for his storytelling. He was the best storyteller.

Jutta and Dieter Steiner

September 14, 2007

We are proud to have known Patrick. He was a dear friend. We'll miss him.

Mary Lynn Vasquez

September 14, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss! I was unable to attend the funeral (which I heard was a wonderful sendoff to the heavens -- certainly deserved by this wonderful Patrick the Great)! His ever present sense of humor and genuine love for all was appreciated! With love and prayers to you, Patrick, and your family!

Michael Spencer

September 13, 2007

Father Hessian was my parish priest when I attended St. James and went to school there 1st through 3rd grades. He was a very nice priest and was always kind and considerate, he will be missed.

John and June Mackey

September 13, 2007

We were stationed with Fr. Pat in Bad Kreuznak, Germany in l967. We shared a stairwell in what was called "The Glass House", as well as many meals and much cheer. Our friendship has continued over these many years. He was a dear friend. We send our love and condolences to his family and friends. John and June Mackey, Kathleen and John Jr.

Peggy & Bob Paige

September 13, 2007

We count ourselves lucky enough to have known Patrick – and loved him dearly. He was a true gentlemen with a fine mind and a great sense of humor… we will miss him greatly but we have wonderful memories.

James/Cynthia Lange

September 13, 2007

Patrick came into our life in his later years, became a good friend and counsel, to say he will be missed is understated. Jim and Cynthia Lange

Nancy Ann Faller RN PhD LTC RET

September 13, 2007

While serving as an Army Nurse in Vietnam, I met Father Patrick Joseph Hessian. He looked after the whole patient not just the hole in the patient: sanctity, sanity, & salubrity - soul, mind, & body. He was chaplain, confidant, & colleague.
While stationed in our home town at the War College we were blessed to have him as a family friend.
May the Angels lead him into Paradise ... In paradisum deducant te angeli.

Patty Brill

September 13, 2007

Patrick Hessian was a very good friend of my parents and served in the military with my father Fred Mischuk for many years. His offer of prayers to my family at my fathers passing was very comforting. I believe he and my father are probably playing cards in heavens gates right now. He is in our thoughts and prayers.

mark p. sheffer

September 12, 2007

I've known Father Pat since I was born, and can tell you that he was not only a great priest, he also had a great since of humor. He would call me on the phone and act like a insurance salesman and would try to sell me insurance, but we had caller Id so I always new it was him, and after some time I'd tell him "I know this is you Father Pat.. I will miss those calls and always remember what a great person he was.

Jim and Ingrid Guier

September 12, 2007

We were priviledged to know Patrick and call him our friend during his later years. We always enjoyed his conversations and wise counsel. His illness came quite suddenly, and his passing was a shock. He is in our prayers.

mary Nance

September 12, 2007

I remember Father Hessian as a priest in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. where he baptised my second son, Joseph.
I then saw him again in Germany when we were stationed at Worms. The last time I visited with Fr. Pat was in DC where we were stationed and he was a Watergate attached to the Pentagon. God Bless you, one and all.

Roland Diederich

September 12, 2007

Fr. Hessian played a major role in my families religious needs in the late 50’s and early 60’s at St. James. There were 8 of us that he performed the sacraments of baptism, Confession, Communion. Etc. Our ages now range from 55 to 85. (See photo)

My fondest memories were when he would come in early before 6AM Mass just to give me 1 on 1 alter boy training for the up coming Easter Services and when he allowed me to be the alter boy at my sister’s wedding.

And he was “the toughest Guy on W. 7th Street” in my eyes.

sheryl and terry and family hegna

September 12, 2007

To the Hessian family we grieve with you and know that you are in our hearts and prayers

Carolyn Caspers

September 12, 2007

Iwould like to express my sympathy to the family of Pat. I know he will be missed by all, and will be welcomed in God's Kingdom.

Bob and Cecilia Balog

September 12, 2007

"Patrick the Great", as he jokingly liked to identify himself, was such an important presence in the life of our family for over 30 years, through tours of duty at Ft. Bragg, in Germany and then finally at the Pentagon. And even when he retired he was only a phone call away, always there to get us through life's challenges, big and small. Though the phone calls are over we know that he is only a prayer away.

Our nation is grateful to Fr. Hessian for his dedicated service and those of us who were blessed to have known him are grateful to his family for sharing him with us. Be at peace.

Edward Lotterman

September 11, 2007

I never met Major-General Hessian but knew of him through professional publications and by his fine reputation within the Army. I do have two friends who got to know him personally and they had the highest regard for him. He served our God well and he served our country well. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and his family is honored by his life and work. They can be very proud of him.

Edward Lotterman
St. Paul Minnesota
Major, Infantry, US Army Reserve

James O'Neal

September 11, 2007

To the entire Hessian Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of Fr. Pat. He was Chief of Chaplains in 1985 when I was commissioned a chaplain in the US Army Chaplain Corps for serive to the Florida National Guard; I had the pleasure of meeting him at one of our regional Chaplain Conferences prior to his retirement. He exemplified the Army Values, especially self-less service. God bless you and yours!
Sincerely,
Fr. James E. O'Neal
US Army Chaplain
USAG Humphreys
Pyeongtaek, Korea

John Rogers

September 11, 2007

We had the absolute pleasure of knowing and working with Monsignor Hessian at St. Joseph Community Parish in New Hope, Minnesota. This world we live in is a much better place because of you!
You will surely be missed by all you touched with your words, smile and your caring nature.

It was our pleasure to have known you.

Joshua Ferber

September 11, 2007

I speak for the countless men and women whom you've touched and inspired through your service - and I thank God every day for having sent you.

Jim and JoAnn Potts

September 11, 2007

We send our deepest condolences to our dear friend, Pat Hessian's family and freinds. There are no words to express the thankfulness we feel for the presence of Pat in our lives. He gave us joy and laughter and a gift of masses each birthday. He loved his family, his faith and his country deeply and his life was spent in serving all of those things. And now it is time to rest. Just as you put on your voice mail messages, I say to you, Goodbye and God Bless! Love, Jim and JoAnn Potts

Lee & Pat Engfer

September 11, 2007

We are very sorry to hear about Pat's passing. We have fond memories of great times spent with him. He was a gracious host to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed but know he is home at last. Our condolences to all the siblings.

Ginny Diers-Holt

September 11, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the entire Hessian Family. Father Pat was my dear friend,cousin and confessor. I loved him dearly and to me he was the Star of the family and always will be. There aren't even words to describe this great man, great priest and great friend and great cousin. Sincerely, Ginny Diers-Holt

Father Maynard Kegler

September 11, 2007

We have all lost a wonderful, gifted friend and an inspiring priest.What fun and great times we all had together with this great man and priest. My prayers are with his family and friends. Father Maynard C. Kegler, OMI, Sun Cit, AZ.

Jim O'Leary

September 11, 2007

What a loss! I remember when some of us asked him when he was a young chaplain why he was going to Vietnam and he said "That's where our kids are."

He was good to me, even though I am an ex-priest.

Bob and Dianna (Colucci) Miller

September 11, 2007

What can you say about the “Toughest Guy on West 7th Street”? I can’t help but Smile even now as I type those words in memory of you, Father Pat. We have had many magical memories with you and my family over the years. You have been an important part of our lives and you will be missed.
Peace be with you, Monsignor General…

And to Robert, Joann, Tom, Shelia, Mike, Marguerite and families: Father Pat was an amazing person and his spirit will always be with you. With deepest sympathy.

Liz Speiker

September 11, 2007

Monsignior Hessian was a very special friend of our family, especially of my husband Jim. They both were AIRBORNE and proud of it. He officiated at our daughter Maria's wedding and that was very special for us. We enjoyed his homilies very much and we were so honored to had him in our lives.
My sincere condolences to his family.

Amy and Vito Rossini

September 11, 2007

Father Hessian was a great person and he will be missed. We extend our sympathy to all the family and friends.

MSG Art Valles

September 11, 2007

Chaplain Hessian was a great man of God. I met him and heard him speak at one of our Chaplain Conferences. He will be missed.

Gordie & Julie Belter

September 11, 2007

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Robert, JoAnn, Tom, Sheila, Mike and Marguerite in the passing of Pat. We have dear memories of him. A very special person. He is certainly with the Lord.

Joan and Larry Albrecht

September 11, 2007

We are both saddened by Fr. Pat's passing, but we know he is in a better place. The Albrecht family has many many fond memories of the old neighborhood, and will cherish them always. We also remember Fr. Pat's lovely homily at the time of our mother Elizabeth's funeral, and were grateful and proud to have him in our lives.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results