Mack Elson Hess, Sr.

Mack E. Hess, age 84, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Care Center (Sauk Rapids, MN) on May 19, 2018.  Mack was born and raised in southwestern Iowa (Madison County) where he worked on the family farm along with his parents and siblings.  Mack served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a Gunners Mate on the USS Juneau.  He was discharged in October 1954.  After his service, Mack started truck driving when he met and married Sharon (Fleek). Together they raised five children in Ogilvie, Minnesota.  As an owner-operator trucker, Mack’s specialty was hauling heavy equipment and oversize loads nationwide.  He was known for his work ethic and dependability.  A longtime friend of Mack’s described him as a ‘Gentleman’s Truck Driver.’ For a number of years, Mack also enjoyed hobby farming.  This was likely so he had a reason to keep a tractor or two around for his amusement.   Mack attended the Ogilvie United Methodist Church for many years before moving to the St. Cloud area in 2012.  He enjoyed the weekly religious services and also the fellowship of the congregation. For several years Mack provided assistance in clearing the sidewalks and other church support activities.  Throughout his life, Mack was always ready with a quick smile, a joke and a helping hand for friends and acquaintances.  Mack was preceded in death by his parents, Bud (Guy) and Orrella;  brothers, Billy Wayne, Guy, and Boyd;  sisters: Freda, Lois, Georgia and Doris Ann; son, Mack Jr. and daughter, Nathlie Hess.  He is survived by his wife, Sharon;  brothers, George and Pete;  sister Mary Seifkas;  daughters, Lori (Les) Paras of Fort Williams, ON, Laura Hess-Ulman (Dave Ulman) of Elk River, Mary Baumann-Spooner (Hap Spooner) of St. Cloud;  son, Arnold (Morgan) Hess of Clark, SD; grandsons, Troy Spooner (Kelly McHugh), Richard Standingcloud, Joseph (Jackie) Brinker, Alan (Kim) Baumann, Michael Baumann, Rayne Villa;  granddaughters, Lacey Spooner (Tom Anderson), Shanna (Josh) McGrath, Hailey Brinker, Janine Aube, Chelsea Corbett,  Angel Spooner and Anneliese Villa; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 1 PM at Ogilvie United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army. We would like to thank all of our family and friends and Mack’s care providers for the love and support given to him and our family over these last few years and weeks.  Fair winds and following seas dear father.