Donald Dale Hess

Donald Dale Hess, age 95, passed away at his home on September 14, 2023 with his family by his side.

Don was born on April 18, 1928, to Jake and Hilda Hess in Dassel, Minnesota.  He graduated from Litchfield High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Campaign from 1949 to 1951.  While in the Army, stationed in Chicago, he met his future wife Ellen Imogene (Becky) Bequeaith and on September 27, 1952, married her in her hometown of White Hall, Illinois.  They lived, loved and worked together for 71 happy years.

After getting out of the Army, he went to work for Graybar Electric in Minneapolis, Mn.  He and Becky lived there until 1957 and had a daughter, Jan.  Don was transferred to Mankato to represent Graybar Electric in the Mankato area.  In 1962 he left his job and he and Becky established Kato Tool & Equip. Co.  They owned and operated that business until they retired in 1993.

He and his wife enjoyed 30 years of retirement. His daughter, Jan, looked after him in his later years.

He was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church.  Don served on many committees, including the finance committee, and was an usher for many years.

He was a 55-year member of Mankato Masonic Lodge, and also a member of Zuhrah Shrine, O.E.S., Mankato Elks Lodge, American Legion and past president and 50-year member of Mankato Lion’s Club.  For several years he delivered Meals on Wheels.

He was a kind and gentle man, a devoted husband and father. He found great joy in helping others.  He loved fishing, golfing, bowling and working around the yard.

He is survived by his wife Becky, daughter Jan of Mankato, and brother Cliff of Baxter, Mn.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Jan Penzkowski of Racine, Wisconsin, LaWanda (Jerry Martin) of Alton, Illinois, Joyce Bequeaith of Huntington, Md., his brothers-in-law Clarence Bequeaith of Mesa, AZ. And Robert Shafer of Jacksonville, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

It was his directive to leave his physical body to the Mayo Clinic for medical research.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care received from doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic and the caring and devoted Mayo Hospice team.

The family requests memorials for Centenary United Methodist Church or the Mayo Hospice team.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 7, 2023 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato.  Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until time of service, with lunch to follow.  A Private burial will be at a later date.

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