Joseph Henry Hesse, son of Frank and Agnes Hesse, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 90 years.

Joe was born December 18, 1933, in Busby, AB, but grew up at “the cabins” on St. Albert Trail. That is where he delivered the Journal, enjoyed curling, playing hockey and baseball, as well as hunting pheasants. He traveled by pedal bike, even to St. Joe’s High School in Edmonton, AB, and across the high level bridge to the U of A.

Frank purchased a homestead at Hawk Hills and Joe accompanied him to help break the land. They also did some carpentry work in the Peace River region. It was while roofing in Grimshaw, AB, that he met his wife, Sonia, and in a few years’ time, they were settled in Manning, AB. Joe continued to farm and raise cattle on the homestead and at a property south of Manning. He was the manager of the National Grain Elevator for years, then at the Seed Cleaning Plant, which prompted a move to an acreage south of Manning. Joe was instrumental in organizing the Manning Comets hockey team on which he played and coached. He also coached many minor hockey league teams. When Joe sold the farm, he worked as the greenskeeper at the Condy Meadows Golf Club. In 2005, he and Sonia moved to Grande Prairie.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters, Monica Hesse, Bridget (Mike) McAndrews, Teresa Onyschuk, and Brenda (Dan) Holm, his three sons, Joe (Margot), Francis and Brian. He will also be fondly missed by twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, his brothers Chuck and Fr. John, as well as extended family.

Joe was predeceased by his wife Sonia, siblings Emma Schafers, Mary LaBrie and Fred Hesse.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St.). Interment will be at 4:00pm, at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Notikewin, AB.