Otto Ernest Hesse was born on June 11, 1921 in Rotgesbuttel, Germany. At age 84, he passed away peacefully at his home Saturday morning, May 13. He was surrounded by his loved ones the last two days of his life.

Otto started his lifeís journey in a small village in Germany. His father and mother immigrated to the United States, with 7 children, when Otto was 3 years old. They crossed the Atlantic in a ship and were processed through Ellis Island. One story Otto would tell was that one day on the ship, he got lost. When his father Carl found him, he was sitting on the lap of a wealthy man who was playing cards. Because young Otto gave him luck, the wealthy man gave him two $20 gold pieces. Hopefully his father (known to us as Opa) didnít scold him too much.

As the family was sponsored by Ottoís uncle, they continued to Minnesota.

They moved to Markville and ultimately settled in North Branch township.

Church was and has always been, St. John Lutheran Church of Weber. Otto met his future wife, Eleanore Lucy Koecher at St. John. They were confirmed together, along with many life time friends. Apparently, the pastorís wife always knew that Otto would marry Eleanore as he was always picking on her and teasing her.

Otto and Eleanore were married on March 24, 1946 in Bruno, Minn. It was a small wedding with close friends and family and as the story goes, due to the thawing of the winterís frost, they spent their honeymoon ìstuck in the mud.î Their best man and maid of honor were Harold Koecher and Lillian Freeman.

They purchased the farm from Eleanoreís grandparents. Ottoís major occupations were farming and parenting, of which he attained great success in both. He was a well-respected member of the North Branch community and served as Treasurer of the North Branch Township Board. He also served as Chairman of the North Branch School Board for many years. He was the local Pioneer seed corn salesman for more than 30 years, thus the reason he was always seen in a green hat. He performed several functions in support of his church which included Treasurer and Trustee. He was instrumental in starting Gun Safety classes at the North Branch schools in the 70ís. His last occupations included Isanti County Weed Inspector and enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and pursued them as often as Eleanore would let him.

In March of this year, we celebrated Otto and Eleanoreís 60th wedding anniversary. His entire family was present to enjoy this significant event.

Joining us in the celebration included his nephew and wife, Hank and Norma Hesse and life long friends Lloyd and Lucille (and Jan) Nelson. We will always cherish this last family gathering.

Otto was called home in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 13, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife Eleanore. Four daughters: Nancy (Don) Murden, Marge (Steve) Lindstrom, Mary (Jim) Nelson and Barb (Dennis) Hensch. Eleven grandchildren: Jody and John Splittstoser, Matt (Shelly), Sam and Allison Lindstrom, Kelly (Rob) Doohen, Jeremy (Petra) Nelson, Mikayla and Michael Hensch, Donna (Dave) Cichy and David (Kim) Murden. Three great-grandchildren: Noah Doohen, Ruby and Grace Murden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Anna Hesse and his seven siblings: Hedwig Thron (and husband Bill), Karl Hesse, Henry Hesse (and wife Hazel), Gertrude Koecher (and husband Otto), Walter Hesse, Wilhelm Hesse and Dorthea Carlson. Also, his two sons: Marvin who died when he was a year old in 1948 and Gary who was 13 when he died in 1974.

Otto, you were loved deeply and will be greatly missed. We are proud to have had you as our family patriarch. We will be with you again one day. Your loving wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at St. John Lutheran Church of Weber with Rev. Kevin Zellers officiating. Jon Ekstrom, accompanied by Kathy Zellers sang, ìHow Great Thou Artî and ìOn Eagles Wings.î Pallbearers were Don Murden, Steve Lindstrom, Jim Nelson, Dennis Hensch, Tom Hesse, and Henry Hesse. Interment was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements were with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge.

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