John D. Hess

John D. Hess 53, Weston, died Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at his home. He was born August 24, 1951 in Rhinelander, son of the late Arvin and N. Marie (Williams) Hess. From the time he arrived in Wausau in 1979 to join the engineering department for the City of Wausau, the city became the focus of his life's work. Among his many positions within the workings of government, John was a Marathon County Board member and in 1992, he was elected Mayor of Wausau. He was elected to a second term as Mayor in 1996. Late in 1997, he resigned as Mayor and went to work for Central Wisconsin Engineers & Architects in Weston. From June 2003 until the present, John again served Wausau as their Director of Public Works. Through the years, John was an active member of many civic and work related organizations, giving his best for the cause at hand. He enjoyed the Northwood's, hunting as well as all types of fishing. He was an avid sports fan, especially committed to the Woodchucks, Badgers, and his favorite, the Packers. John was a good father and will be dearly missed by his daughters; Adrienne Hess, Eagan, Minn. and Emily (Chad) Franzen, Mosinee; his siblings; William Hess, Fair Hope, Ala., JoAnn (Robert) Maass, Rhinelander and Jeff (Dawn) Hess, Rhinelander; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Hess. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Kenneth A. Dix will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Rhinelander. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all the Sixth street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com