Richard Hess
May 1, 1930 ~ September 1, 2009
The Rev. Richard J. Hess, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, presiding. Visitation will be 3 - 8 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2009, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Services will also be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Stockton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2009, at the church. Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Stockton, Illinois. Hermann Funeral Home, Stockton is handling the local arrangements in Illinois. He is survived by one brother, Robert L. Hess of Stockton, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Eugene Hess of Stockton; and a sister, Margaret Baxter of Platteville, Wisconsin. Richard was born May 1, 1930, to Hubert C. and Mathilda E. (Haas) Hess in Stockton, Illinois. He was educated in the Stockton schools, Loras College in Dubuque, the University of Illinois-Champagne, and Wayne State University-Detroit. He was employed by the Ethyl Corporation when he had a calling to God and entered the seminary. He completed his theological studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and had a Master's degree in math and science. He was ordained May 28, 1960, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque by Bishop George J. Biskup. His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Dubuque, 1960-63. He served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart, Oelwein, 1963-68; St. Edward's, Waterloo, 1968-71; Immaculate Conception, Cedar Rapids, 1971-78. He was pastor of St. Michael's, Garber and Sacred Heart, Littleport, 1978-88; and Sacred Heart in St. Anthony and St. Gabriel in Zearing from 1988, until his retirement in 2000. Richard then resided at the Immaculate Conception rectory where he assisted in residence until 2008, when he moved to Solon to live with his friend, Linda. He continued helping at Immaculate Conception and also assisted at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. His love for scouting began as a young man and he went on to serve as a Boy Scout troop leader at many parishes in the 1960's and 70's. Richard also had a love for theatrical stage performance and music, including organ, choirs, musicals and big band. He served as choir director during his time at Immaculate Conception in the 1970's. And at several of his pastoral assignments, he taught math and science in the schools, enjoyed tutoring students on various subjects and served parishes as the Maintenance Director or assisted in facilities maintenance. He was a sound consultant for the diocese, designing many audio systems for area parishes. Serving God and his church was his greatest passion. Memorials will be used for masses at various parishes and in serving missions.
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I remember him fondly Father Hess was a patient, compassionate man. I took some of his classes at the old IC school and I was not a well-behaved student, but a real smart-aleck and Father Hess took it all in stride. In fact he took me under his wing and taught me about HoneyWell control motors. It was a great learning experience I shall never forget. I am not an engineer, but in IT so he did a good job guiding me early in life May God take him home and I will see him later
I have known Father Hess since the early ’70s when he was assigned to Immaculate Conception, CR. I was an apprentice plumber working for my dad with H & K Plumbing and Heating at the time. I remember fondly Fr. Hess and my dad discussing the heating systems at the rectory and church for better efficency. Lets just say, it was a give and take discussion.
Prayers and sympathies,
Deacon Robert Hurych
Our sympathy to the family, what a wonderfully unique person Father was. He was our pastor at Sacred Heart Littleport. He would give his undivided attention when you called him on the phone. He was a wonderful counselor – in fact maybe the best! He would come to fix any appliance that wasn’t working. His house at Garber was full of toasters, typewriters, plus more electricals. When the Archbishop came for Confirmation and told Father he would have dinner at his rectory – Fr. spent many hours hauling his electrical applicances to the basement. At Confirmation he told us the back of his legs were so sore from going up and down the stairs so many times – but he had the house in top shape for the bishop! Always a friend and so truly humble. We loved him and our children say he is their favorite priest!
I was sad to hear of Father’s passing and will always remember his genuine care and pastoral interest in being connected to the youth. Father became our pastor at St. Michael’s/Sacred Heart parish when I was in High School, and I was impressed at his knowledge and experience in the engineering sciences and math. I recall a number of maintenance projects he had us boys working on at the church, which when I reflect on it today, was his way of showing us that simple works was one of many ways we can serve the Church and the community at large. Father also challenged our perceptions of how we meet the “real world” and not lose our Catholic identity and could say those things in a sermon that didn’t pull any punches and didn’t bruise anyone either. I will always remember him with the greatest respect and fondness for his dedication to his vocation as a Priest and for someone who was open to serve the many needs of others.