Gary N. Hessel, age 88 of Monroe, died on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Aster Assisted Living. Gary was born on December 20, 1932 in Garnavillo, Iowa, the son of Howard and Louise (Shafer) Hessel. He graduated from Boone High School in 1950 and then attended Boone Community College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955, and was awarded the National Defense Medal for his service during the Korean War Conflict. Gary received an undergraduate degree from Drake University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Iowa. He was united in marriage to Mima Gregg on July 20, 1963 in Boone, IA. The couple moved to Monroe in 1966 where Gary spent the majority of his career as an administrator for the Monroe Clinic. Following his retirement, Gary worked for several years as a messenger for Swiss Colony and volunteered as a driver for Green County ADRC. Some of his favorite memories in retirement came from traveling the world with each of his grandchildren. He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe Kiwanis Club for more than 50 years, served as a board member, officer and director at Blackhawk Technical College, served as treasurer of the Monroe High School Sports Booster Club for 19 years, was a board member at Monroe Arts Center, was a member of the Monroe American Legion Post #84, and was active in the Behring Senior Center.
He is survived by three children, Karelyn (Winston) Hopkins of Monona, Stephanie (Jim) Waddell of Rockford, IL, Gregg (Melissa) Hessel of Lahaina, HI; his grandchildren Emily and Audrey Hopkins, Caitlin Waddell, and Noah, Sam, and Isaac Hessel. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Stanley (Dot) Williams of Urbandale, IA, Heather (Shawn) Faris and their children, Evelyn and Easton; and his loyal Yorkie, Misty.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Mima; and two sisters, Gloria (Stanley) Williams and Karelyn Hessel.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 1329 31st. Avenue, Monroe, with Rev. Dr. Don Kim officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Masks will be required while inside the funeral home. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
Gary’s family would like to thank Aster Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monroe Kiwanis Club or Monroe United Methodist Church.
