Robert L. Hesse

Robert L. "Bob" Hesse was born in Adams County on September 19, 1930, the second child of Walter and Martha (Reinebach) Hesse. They preceded him in death as did his sister, Wanda Van Arnam (Donald). Bob graduated from Quincy High School and was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Once back home, Bob lived all over the state working for Illinois Bell for over 30 years. He was very proud of his professional life but seemed even prouder of the fact that he was retired even longer! Bob was a very active retiree starting with building a home and living on 40 acres in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. There he cut his own firewood, took care of the land, fed the birds, found time to fish, hunt, and volunteer at the Hazelhurst Fire Department plus comforted patients at the Dr. Kate Lakeland Hospice Center. After 20 years, he was done with the wild so he bought a great house in his hometown. In Quincy, he spent time with and helped family members, made new friends, became an active member of St. James Lutheran Church, continued his membership in Ducks Unlimited while volunteering at Blessing Hospice. He golfed and enjoyed his beloved labs while cheering on the Packers. Bob also was famous for caning chairs even demonstrating his refined craft at fairs. Activities clearly kept him young! He lived on his own until 93. Everywhere Bob went, he made friends all the while keeping his lifelong friendships close to his heart. His family adored him as well. He was surrounded by love. Once Bob decided that he no longer wanted to live alone in his home, he moved to Sunset Assisted Living. There he was cared for with grace and kindness. The staff became family. Their professionalism provided him with respect and dignity. Bob peacefully passed on July 20, 2025 under the compassionate care at Blessing Hospital. He will be enormously missed by his family including his nieces Sally Van Arnam (Tom Nolet) of Woodland Hills, CA, Beth Widmark (Cliff) of Long Beach, CA and his nephew Gary Van Arnam (Layla) of Newport Beach, CA. He also will be fondly remembered by his many cousins including Jim and Peggy Hesse of Mendon, Jerry and Bill Hesse of Quincy, as well as Paul and Donna Cramer of Payson along with many more second and third cousins. His family was his source of pride and joy. Services: 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church. A reception follows celebrating his life well-lived. Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, IL Donations may be made in his honor to St. James Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/ www.hansenspear.com Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.