Anne Marie Dewall Hessemer
1923-2017
Anne Hessemer passed away peacefully on January 30, 2017 at the age of 93. She was born on the most special day, Christmas Day, in 1923 in Okabena Minnesota to George and Christine DeWall. She was loved by so many family members and friends and was deserving to be born on that day as she carried herself with the values of being one of Gods children.
She grew up on the family farm in Minnesota, graduated from Okabena High School and moved to Texas and worked as a draftsman for Brown & Root. In 1954 she married Clark Hessemer and gave up her career to become a devoted wife and mother and together they chose Bethel UCC as their church home and family. She was very active in the church and loved her friends there. She was a great mother to her children and taught the strong family values that the Hessemer family has today.
Anne was a fantastic cook and her meals and desserts were coveted at many birthday parties and events. She was a great role model to many and her label as Mawmaw Anne began when she became a grandmother. She accepted this role with enthusiasm as she taught many of her grandchildren to play ball, shop frugally and eat at Souper Salad. She always loved to watch any sports on TV. She was a great American who loved and respected our country and especially loved the Olympics.
In March of 2013 Anne had a terrible stroke and survived with a loss of her speech. She was also paralyzed on her right side but she still had her mind. Her facial expressions and hand gestures were her words and this is when we learned more of her strong determination and compassion. She never lost her ability to catch and throw a ball and it was nothing short of amazing to see her in action.
She touched so many people in her lifetime. Just a few weeks before her passing a new young resident was struggling with being in a skilled nursing facility. After hearing her crying she wheeled herself over to the room across the hall to comfort her. What a woman she was. She will always be loved and remembered.
Anne was preceded in death by her husband Clark Hessemer and her first son, Mark Hessemer, in 2005.
She is survived by her children Vicki Hessemer Parrott and husband Rusty, Keith Hessemer and wife Paula and grandchildren Michael (Brandi), Andy (Ginger), Kristen (Bryan), Laura, Steven and Kody. Great grandchildren Andrew, Madden and Emersyn. She is also survived by her sister Geraldine Ward from Seattle and her husband Bob Ward who will be officiating the service.
A Memorial Service will be held at Bethel UCC at 1107 Shepherd drive on Wednesday February 8th at 11am, with a visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to Slumber Falls Camp or the .