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In Memory

Donald "Jerry" Hess - Class Of 1960 VIEW PROFILE

Donald Jerry Hess

        

Donald "Jerry" Hess

Dec. 13, 1941 - May 11, 2017

MISHAWAKA - Donald “Jerry” Hess, 75, of Mishawaka, passed away May 11th, 2017 in the Center for Hospice Care, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born on December 13th, 1941 to the late Donald and Francetta Hess in Decatur, Indiana. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Terry Hess.

On October 29th, 1967, Jerry married the love of his life, MaryAnn Mikolajczak. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October with extended family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife MaryAnn and five children: Colleen Ravotto (Steve), Brendan, Mickey (Lynn) of Canton Ohio, Derron (Angel) and Amy Hess, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Sharon Nolan Steiner (Art) of Wentzville, Missouri and MaryAnn Peterson. His surviving brothers include Chris Hess (Debbie) of St. Charles, Missouri and Greg Hess (Lynn) and many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

Jerry worked as a teacher, counselor, and coach at Marian High School, Galien High School, Washington High School, as well as several schools in the South Bend Community until retirement in 2005. He held positions at AM General and Bendix in addition to working construction as his summer employment.

Coach Hess coached hundreds of area athletes from Mishawaka Catholic in football and wrestling as well as baseball at East End Little League. He shared his knowledge and passion for the sports, particularly football, beginning with his sons and his grandsons. There were not many Friday nights where Jerry was not at a local football game coaching or cheering on his family. He had a profound and lasting effect on those he coached. He also had a soft spot for his daughters and granddaughters as they too shared his passion for sports. His granddaughter Caity also exposed him to the world of theater with her beautiful singing.

Jerry served in the United States Marines. He was very patriotic and proud of his country. His love of history and extensive knowledge on the subject made him a good history teacher. He also loved music with a particular passion for “the oldies.” Jerry was an excellent drummer and had a lot of fun with his famous “Broom Band.” He loved the great outdoors and fishing with his family at Big Smith Lake. He shared many wonderful memories with MaryAnn as they vacationed in Florida during the winter. His only regret was that he was not able to get back to the YMCA to play handball with the guys.

His hope never wavered as he struggled with diabetes and other health issues. He had a strong belief in God and passed his Catholic faith onto his five children. It has been this faith that has sustained his family in his final days. Jerry was a man with a big personality and a bigger heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but he did what he intended to do with his life; he made a difference.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 15th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544, with private burial immediately following at Fairview Cemetery. As per Jerry's wishes the family will be holding a private visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or Center for Hospice and Palliative Care at 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. The family would like to thank Dr. Kvietkus, Wendy, and Amber, the ICU nurses at St. Joe and Dr. Zimmerman who spent so much time with us, and all the nurses and volunteers at Hospice House for their special care, kindness and support for the entire family. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.welsheimer.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on May 14, 2017.

 

12/29/2021 DEC

 

Information from John Plunkett 06/29/2019

Deceased Classmate: Jerry (DJ) Hess 1960
Date Of Birth: 1942
Date Deceased: 2017
Age at Death: 75
Cause of Death: Diabetes coma
Classmate City: Gold Canyon
Classmate State: IN
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: Yes
Survived By:

I went to grade school with Jerry at Holy Cross. He left St Joe HS after 3 years and graduated with us at CHS in 1960. He was in the Marines after CHS and then on to Ball State. His teaching career was mostly in the SB area. He worked at Hummer during the summers. He was a good friend and my wife and I miss him.

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