Gary Edward Hess, 66, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 11:17 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2022 at his home in the loving presence of his wife and four children.
Gary was born October 22, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Bennett Edward and Angeline Jeannette (DuFrain) Hess. Gary graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. He then attended Kankakee Community College earning his AAS, Olivet Nazarene College with a BA and Century University with his MS. Gary retired from UPS in 2011 after a 32 year career.
Gary married Marianne Loree Wight on January 7, 2000 in Williamsfield, Illinois. Gary is survived by his wife, Marianne of Galesburg; his children, Rhianna (Patrick) Lewis of Dahinda, Illinois, David (Amy) Hess of Hartland, Wisconsin, Brionna Wight of anywhere, USA, and Shea Wight of Chicago, Illinois. Gary is also survived by his beloved five grandchildren, Camden, Carson, and Preston Schroeder and Olivia and Kolby Hess; and one sister, Sandra Sollers of Bradley, Illinois; two brothers-in-law, Leland (Connie) Wight and Dennis (Denise) Wight; a sister-in-law, Tina Wight; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Marilyn Berg and Marlene Randales.
After spending the majority of his career on the road with UPS, Gary was happy to spend his later years at home. He enjoyed tending to the house, yard work, and making creative dishes in the kitchen. He became a NRA Certified Concealed Carry Instructor, was a diehard Green Bay Packers and Chicago White Sox fan and had a love for nature and hunting. Gary and Marianne enjoyed their travel and hiking adventures, listening to music over a cocktail, long conversations into the night and bird watching. He was a friend of the United Methodist Church of Williamsfield; was a father figure to many of his children’s friends throughout the years. He loved dogs, his country and being surrounded by his loving family. In addition, Gary had a quick wit and great sense of humor. He too, was a philosophical intellectual.
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at the Williamsfield United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 29th at 2pm, visitation will be held 1 hour before with a celebration of his life following at Cherry St. Brewing Company in the Bier Garten from 5pm-8pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Gary’s memory to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Online expressions may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
