William (Bill) Herman Hessel

William Hessel
1933 – 2018
William (Bill) Herman Hessel, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in
Montrose, Colorado, after suffering a stroke. He was born on April 3, 1933, in Menomonie,
Wisconsin, to Arthur and Martha (Unterseher) Hessel. He graduated high school in Rice Lake,
Wisconsin, and went on to earn master’s degrees in ancient history and theology from
Emmanuel Missionary College and a master’s degree in library science from the University of
Michigan. He worked as a minister, teacher, librarian, and book dealer. His many interests
included reading, birding, gardening, music, and ballroom dancing. After retiring, Bill was
especially proud of his volunteer work in the community, most recently in teaching ballroom
dancing and arranging and conducting music therapy programs for seniors.
He is survived by his wife, Esther (Heller) Hessel, and four children: daughters, Diana (Randy)
Fishell, Holly Hessel-Altman, Heather (Dennis Farmer) Hessel, and son, Theodore (Donna)
Hessel, from his first wife, Beverly (Blost) Hessel. He is also survived by step-children Jerry
(Debra) Heller, Deborah Hughes, Brian (Carol) Heller, and Eric Heller. He was much loved by his
family, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his devoted dog Zoe
Jane.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Hessel and Arthur Hessel, Jr., and
step-son Douglas Heller Taylor.
With an easy-going personality, he was always quick with a joke. He was an inspiration to many
and will be sorely missed.
At Bill’s request, no services will be held; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heirlooms
for Hospice at 435 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401. Condolences may be sent to Esther Hessel
at 1100 Weminuche Ave, Montrose, CO 81401.