Robert Gerald Hess

Robert “Bob” Gerald Hess, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia passed away peacefully on November 1, 2022 after a short illness at the age of 94. Bob, formerly of Plymouth, Michigan, was born in Laona, Wisconsin on May 22, 1928 to Frank and Florence (nee Medenwaldt) Hess.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Phyllis (nee Herigstad) Hess, his four children Rob Hess (Julia), Paul Hess, Eileen Hess, Nancy Lloyd (Mark) and his five grandchildren Garrett, Evan and Kayla Hess and Grace and Sarah Lloyd, sister Delores and several nieces and nephews.

Bob had a long adventurous life that he loved to share stories of with others. When 7 years old, for a year, Bob and his family with other colonists from WI, helped expand Alaskan Territory at Palmer. After graduating from Baraboo (WI) high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. 1946-48. He served at Paris Island for boot camp & then at Cherry Pt. NC Marine Aviation Camp. He attended Ripon College (WI) for a year and then was recruited to play football at the University of North Dakota which ended with an injury. He was graduated from the University of North Dakota (1952 Who’s Who, Blue Key, Grey Gowns, School of Commerce Advisory Council) in 1952 where he met the love of his life, Phyllis at the Student Union. After four dates Bob had to leave for the United States Army for three years. He served in locations all over the world including Georgia, California, Tokyo, Eta Jima, Korea and Hawaii. He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant by the end of his military career. When he returned to civilian life in 1955, he began his life-long career with the Burroughs Corporation (later named Unisys).

On June 7, 1958, he and Phyllis were married and moved to an apartment in Moorhead, MN until he transferred to where they eventually settled to raise their family, Plymouth, Michigan. At Burrough’s he worked in sales in MN, ND & OK where they lived for 5 years. In Plymouth & Detroit he helped develop small computers and business machines. Bob worked in the UK and was able to take his family one summer. He also worked in Portugal and Scotland. He retired in 1991.

Bob loved the Plymouth Community. As a young father he was Cub Scout Master and coached his son Paul and daughter Eileen’s basketball teams. His maintained a respected volunteer career at Our Lady of Good Council Parish for over 35 years as an usher, leader and Eucharistic minister. After retirement he continued his affiliation with Burrough’s as the leader of The Old Timers Group and he was devoted to Plymouth’s elderly citizens through the Plymouth Community Council On Aging. Bob, for 2 years post retirement, drove a limousine taking seniors to doctor’s appointments. You could often see him walking down Harvey Street, Main Street or Ann Arbor Road on his daily walks or errands to the local hardware store. He was beloved by his neighbors on Simpson Street, young and old.

Bob and Phyllis enjoyed travelling and seeing friends and family on their trips every year. They enjoyed anniversary trips to Hawaii and Toronto and had lovely milestone anniversary parties with their family and special dinner dates, celebrating their 64-year marriage in 2022. In 2017, they moved from their home in Michigan for a new adventure in Peachtree Corners, Georgia to The Mansions at Sandy Springs Independent Living. There he enjoyed being close to their daughters, Nancy and Eileen and their beautiful granddaughters Grace and Sarah. When Covid shut down America in 2020 their ground level apartment was a blessing as they could still safely visit with their family on the patio, albeit at a distance. Bob lived out his remaining years filled with productive activity, new and old friends, and his loving family.

Bob will truly be missed. He was an interesting and kind man who was loved by everyone whose life he touched. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis has asked that you donate in Bob’s name to the University of North Dakota Nistler College of Business & Public Administration (3501 University Ave, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202 – https://undalumni.org/ncobpa) or the Gary Sinise Foundation to benefit veterans (PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204 – www.garysinisefoundation.org)

A Memorial gathering will be held early next year at the Mansions.