Hesse, Robert (Bob) Henry

Robert (Bob) Henry Hesse passed away on October 12, 2021 at the age of 96 at his home in Dallas, Texas. He was born on August 14, 1925 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.  Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marilyn J. Hesse of Dallas, TX, and his children Wayne Hesse (Barbara) of O’Neill, NE, Linda Gibbs (Larry) of Houston, TX, and Laura Wright (Randy) of Dallas, TX, and daughters-in-law June Hesse of Mitchell, NE and Kimberly Hesse of Valentine, NE.  Bob leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren, Robert Hesse (Michelle) of Gering, NE, Andrea Wells (Perry Theros) of Mitchell, NE, Greg Hesse of Valentine, NE, Jim Hesse (Jessica) of Lincoln, NE, Doug Hesse (Sharon) of Valentine, NE, Joe Hesse (Jenna) of Humphrey, NE, Tom Hesse of O’Neill, NE,  Bergen Carraher (Cole) of Aurora, NE, Holly Hesse of Omaha, NE, Lauren Sanches (Cole) of Houston, TX, Jenna Hall (Dustin) of Dallas, TX, John Gibbs of Houston, TX, Lindsay Hirani (Prateek) of Dallas, TX and Jeff Wright (Madison) of Dallas, TX.  Great grandchildren include Faith Hesse and Chloe Hesse of Gering, NE, Michael Wells, Kyle Wells and Kenna Theros of Mitchell, NE, Tenley Ramm and Langston Hesse of Lincoln, NE, Haley Hesse and Nash Hesse of Valentine, NE, Beck Hesse, Ricki Hesse and Maclyn Hesse of Humphrey, NE, Preslie Ruegge of Atkinson, NE, and Lane Carraher and Hallie Carraher of Aurora, NE. He also leaves behind one great great grandchild, Wesley Wells of Mitchell, NE.  He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Whittle (Norb) of Glendale, WI and sister-in-law, Izza Hesse of Belleville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Larry Hesse, Kenneth Hesse, and Richard Hesse and brothers Edward Hesse, Eugene Hesse, Jim Hesse and sister Agnes Ankeny.

Bob grew up in Hartington, Nebraska with parents Edward and Katherine Hesse and siblings Agnes, Edward, Eugene, James, and Dorothy. He graduated from the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska law school. He worked 37 years as a landman for Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas Company (now Kinder Morgan) living in Chappell, Nebraska, Sterling Colorado, Gering, Nebraska and Longview, Texas.  He retired in 1987 at the age of 62.  Bob and Marilyn moved to Dallas in March 2019 to be closer to family.

Bob served in the United States Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force, serving  in both World War II and the Korean War, where he served as a celestial navigator achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.

Bob loved all sports and was a die-hard Nebraska Cornhusker fan and a Texas Rangers fan.  He took up long distance running in his 50’s and had a wall of trophies for the 10K runs he won in East Texas.  He ran a marathon in his 60’s.

He was a great story and joke teller and expert speller, competing in Nebraska County and State spelling bees as a child and tutoring his children as they competed.  He was wicked smart and never hesitated to correct anyone regardless of who was right.

His greatest love was his family however.  He was a faithful spouse, frequently stating that the best decision of his life was marrying Marilyn.  He loved attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren and for the teams his sons coached. He was our cheerleader, comforter, encourager and beloved husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and great-great grandpa.

The family would like to thank his personal caretaker over the past few months, Cherry Smith.

We will honor his life on Monday, November 1, 2021 at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas 75234.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:00 p.m., followed by a 12:00 p.m. Memorial Service.  A Burial Service will be held at DFW National Cemetery at 2:15 pm.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.