David Kenneth Hesse

David Kenneth Hesse age 75, of Comfrey, MN died on December 5, 2024, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Albion Lutheran Church, rural St. James and will continue on Friday one hour prior to the service.

A memorial service will be held at the Albion Lutheran Church, rural St. James, on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 am.  The service will be livestreamed at the Albion Lutheran Church Facebook page.

The clergy will be Rev. Robert Springer. Interment with military honors will be at the Albion Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

David Kenneth Hesse was born March 8, 1949, in St. James, MN to Avis and Kenneth Hesse. David spent his young life on the farm near Godahl, MN. When old enough, he helped his dad with milking and any other farm work that needed to be done. He also helped his Grandpa Skrabeck “across the road” with picking eggs for Star Hatchery. He was also a big brother to his two younger siblings, Brian and Scott. He was baptized and confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church.

David graduated from St. James High School in 1967 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota, Crookston for 2 years and graduated in the spring of 1969 with an agribusiness degree. In September 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy. David was in the Blue Jackets Choir while in San Diego for boot camp.  He then went to Millington, Tennessee for hydraulic mechanic training and then on to Meridian, Mississippi where he was a helicopter mechanic and crew chief. He was also part of the search and rescue crew.  He was honorably discharged in September 1973.

On November 29, 1969, David married Patricia A. Lien at Albion Lutheran Church. They enjoyed 55 years as a married couple and 60 years total together. While in Mississippi, they welcomed daughter Tamilla and son Troy. They moved to a farm in rural Comfrey, MN in September 1973, after he was discharged from the Navy. David remained on this farm site the rest of his life. David was a lifelong crop and livestock farmer, vowing he would only retire when he couldn’t continue what he loved. He enjoyed spending time in the tractors, tilling the land and watching wildlife along the way. He learned how to do mechanic work from his father-in-law, Elmo Lien. They worked together for many years. David and Pat welcomed their son Todd after returning to the farm.

In 1986, David became an advocate for farmers who were struggling with financial difficulties. He continued this until the time of his death. He had a deep passion for helping farm families and helped countless people throughout the years as a farm advocate. David loved conversing with others. It didn’t matter where he was, but he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

David was a lifelong member of Albion Lutheran Church. He was on the church council and served in various roles, including Deacon, Vice President and President. He was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and was involved with the church choir. He always had a talent for carrying a tune.

He and Pat enjoyed many trips to Hawaii and recently to Mount Rushmore, The Badlands and Devils Tower. He enjoyed movies, westerns, fishing and spending time with his family. He loved attending sporting events when his children were younger and more recently, the events of his granddaughters. He spent countless hours on the phone with his fellow advocates, mediators and farmer clients. When someone needed assistance, he was there to help.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat Hesse; daughter, Tammy Hesse of Comfrey, MN; sons, Troy (Dani) Hesse of Lakeville, MN, Todd (Sara) Hesse of Victoria, MN; granddaughters, Makenzie (Kole) Hinrichsen, Brenna Hesse (fiancé Gavin Renwick), Aevaleen Hesse, Liahna Hesse; brothers, Brian (Marilynn) Hesse, Scott Hesse;  step-brothers, Clair (Kaydra) Berlin, Clinton (Ella) Berlin, Lee (Sue) Berlin; sister and brother-in-law, Deb Lien (Dale Norell); aunt, Grace Skrabeck, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Avis and Kenneth Hesse; step-father, Joel Berlin; mother and father-in-law, Elmo and Elnora Lien;  niece, Kris Hesse-Adams; grandparents, aunts and uncles.

David led a life of service to others. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones. Blessed be his memory.