Karl Van Hesser

Karl Van Hesser was born October 21, 1954, at Superior, Nebraska, to Norman Neal and Telva Ruth (Shellhase) Hesser, and suddenly passed away on March 16, 2009, at his home in Osborne, Kansas, at the age of 54 years, 4 months, and 25 days.

Karl grew up in Mankato, and after graduation, he served three years in the Army. Later he returned to Mankato and worked at the elementary school. Karl took pride in his job as custodian and in all of his jobs. He went to welding school and was employed as a welder from 1980 to 1982 at Boeing in Wichita. He also worked as a minor and as a fiberglass technician. In 1982, he returned to Mankato, to work with his father at his business – Mankato Autobody for several years. After his father passed away he stayed in Mankato to care for his mother and returned to USD 278, as custodian, at the high school for a number of years until the school’s consolidation. Most recently he was working in Osborne as a dock worker for Hardman Lumber. Karl was devoted to his loved ones, family, friends, and pets. He had a great sense of humor and was a great shot with his rifles.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents – Norman and Ruth Hesser.

He was never married, and is survived by his siblings – sister, Cynthia and Hesser of Tonganoxie, Kansas, twin sister, Robin Cockran of Wichita, Kansas, and brother, William “Bill” and wife, Susan Hesser of Sturgeon, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews and their families – Cristin Noll, Carissa Schmidt, JuliAnn Graham, Jessica Boyett, Sam Cochran, Cassy Meyer, Phoebe Hesser, and Christy Hesser.

A celebration of life service for Karl Van Hesser was held Friday, March 20, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Neolin Taylor officiating. Casket bearers were: United States Army Honor Guard. Honorary casket bearers were: Bill Hesser, Tyler Noll, Samuel Cochran, Christopher Noll, Robert Turner, Rick Lehrling, Bruce Burkhart, and Alan Hornbussel. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas, with military honors by United States Army Honor Guard, Ft. Riley, Kansas, and V.F.W. Post No. 7830, Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials be given to help with expenses, in care of the Mortuary. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.