Hilary Pete Hessig, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3, 2020, at his home in Dale, after a courageous fight with cancer.
He was born in Evanston on September 11, 1938, to the late Herman P. Hessig and Marie D. (Ficker) Hessig-Hopf.
Hilary was a 1956 graduate of Troy High School and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve. In 2002, he retired from Kimball International after 41 years. He had a deep passion for fishing and for those who knew him well would often see him heading to Dale Lake almost daily. At some point, he started keeping track of his fishing accomplishments and after he retired from fishing, he had recorded over 134,150 fish caught, many of which he would donate to the local food pantry or prepare for family and beloved members of his community with his famous fish frys. He will be forever loved and missed.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dale. He loved the Lord deeply and was a devout Catholic.
Surviving are his children, Kim Bowman (Nickey), Tammy Roach (Sonny), Kelley Hessig and Ward Hessig; grandchildren, Norman Lenerville and Christopher Hessig; a brother, Hilbert Hessig (Evelyn) and a sister, Rose Mullis.
Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bernard and Arthur Hessig, and a sister, Theresa McEllhiney.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, June 6, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish/St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dale. Rev. Crispine Adongo officiated. Burial followed in St. John’s Chrysostom Church Cemetery in New Boston. Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel handled the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hilary’s church, St. Francis of Assisi Parish/St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.huberfuneralhome.net.
