TAMA-Dr. John J. "Bud" Hess Jr., age 76, of Tama died Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at his daughter's home in Cedar Rapids surrounded by his children following a long battle with cancer. In the spirit of furthering Medical Education, his body will be a gift to the Department of Anatomy at the University of Iowa. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher officiating. A Memorial Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Dr. John Hess was born on March 23, 1931, in Omaha, NE, the son of John and Helen (Doyle) Hess Sr.
He was raised in Creston, Iowa and graduated in 1949 from Creston High School.
He met the love of his life, Peggy Jean Hobart and they were united in marriage on November 27, 1954 in Creston, Iowa.
Bud attended Creighton University in Omaha in pursuit of a law degree. He was called to active duty in the Korean War serving in the U.S. Navy. Following the career footsteps of his father and grandfather, he received his D.D.S. from the University of Iowa in 1962. Dr. John J. Hess Jr., D.D.S. and Peggy moved to Tama where they raised a family of seven children and cemented his career in dentistry.
Doc was an active and committed member of many clubs and organizations including the American Legion Post #73, VFW Post #6607, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Elks Club of Creston, the Tama County I Club, where he was twice voted Hawk Fan of the year by the University of Iowa, Dental Education Board, Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and a lifetime member of the Catholic Church. He was a committed member of the Republican Party, where he was proud of his contributions to the Campaign of President Ronald Reagan and was named the Iowa Republican Delegate. His most recent local volunteer activity resulted in the new Tama-Toledo Aquatic Center.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Peggy; one sister, Catherine Klingensmith; and one daughter-in-law, Janice.
Survivors include seven children, Suzanne (Mike) Leonard of Cedar Rapids, Patrice Bartling of Austin, TX, Daniel (Tina) Hess of Cedar Rapids, Catherine McLearnon of Cedar Rapids, David Hess of Alburnett, Margaret Carter of Coggon, and Amy (Bruce) James of Ventura, CA; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many unwavering friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of St. Lukes in Cedar Rapids or the American Cancer Society Daffodil Project @ cancer.org/daffodils.