J. Francis Hesse

J. Francis Hesse, 92, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, lawyer, Knight Commander in the Order of St. Gregory the Great, a second lieutenant during World War II, Colorado mountain man, newspaper delivery boy, and countless other roles and titles, died peacefully on November 22, 2014, with several of his children surrounding him. Francis served in a heavy artillery unit in World War II, was a POW/MIA, and escaped his captors to return to the states and marry “winsome” Jean Kimel. Together, Jean and Francis made Wichita their home and raised 13 children. Jean preceded Francis in death several years ago and now they are again dancing “Begin the Beguine” on Cloud 9. Forever grateful for their parents are four daughters: Paula (Larry) Hlobik, of Bucyrus, KS, Suzanne (Marshall) McHenry of Derby, Anne (Bill) Warner of Pebble Beach, CA, and Cary Hesse-Clark (Tom) of Wichita; nine sons in Wichita: Steve (Martha), Tom, Tim, Jeff, Joel, Matt (Patty), Chris (Cathy) and Karl (Pam), and Mike of Boulder, Colorado; dozens of grandchildren and dozens of great-grandchildren. Rosary, 7 p.m., Friday, November 28; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 29, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, all in Wichita. In memory of Francis and Jeans love of children and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Katharine Drexel Fund, c/o Catholic Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 or CASA of Sedgwick County (court representation protecting abused and neglected children), 220 W. Douglas, Suite 15, Wichita, KS 67202. “Well done, my good and faithful servantCome, share your masters joy.” Matthew 25:23. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.