Gerald Hess

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Gerald A. Hess, 99, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 - 10 a.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate with Rev. Dave Ambrosy and Rev. Phil Kruse concelebrating.

Gerald was born February 25, 1926, in Worthington, Iowa, son of Otto and Mary (Baum) Hess. He married Rita Rauen on October 19, 1949, in Epworth, Iowa. Gerald worked with his mother & father at the Dyersville Sale Barn. He and his twin sister took over the operation in 1973, where he continued working till his retirement in 1998. He was a faith filled man with strong devotion to Mary and the rosary. His faith was an example to his family and to all who knew him. He loved to play cards, especially pass it or keep it. He was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow.

Survivors include his children: Randy Hess of Dyersville, Ron (Diane) Hess of Uniontown, OH, Rhonda (Bob) Vrchoticky of Timnath, CO, Becky (Tim) Gassmann of Marion; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rita in 1994, siblings: A. Michael Hess, Ambrose Hess, Donald Hess, Florabelle Heiser, Geraldine Engler and two infant brothers, Harold and Roland Hess; in-laws: Myrene Lattner, Theresa Milbert, Florence Callahan, Sylvester Rauen, Bill Rauen, Luella Beckman, Ardella Evans and Peter Rauen.

The family would like to thank the Ellen Kennedy Living Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their love and outstanding care to our dad, for this the family will be forever grateful.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.