*Lowell Hesse, of Kent ,Wash., passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Wash., on March 22, 2014. Lowell was born on June 3, 1923, in Bird Island, Minn., to George and Mabel Hesse. Lowell grew up in Bird Island, receiving his education and graduating from Bird Island High School class of 1940. After high school, he attended St. Olaf College for a year, and then moved to Seattle and began working for Boeing. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army Air Corps, where he served for three years. After his discharge, Lowell returned to his job at Boeing.

He met his sweetheart, Betty Bentzlin, and they were married in Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. They returned to Washington and raised five boys, making their home in Kent for the last 64 years. Lowell worked 45 years at Boeing, finally retiring in 1985, as a Superintendent of Quality Control.

Lowell was a true woodsman. He loved chopping, stacking wood, and working his many projects in his shop. He enjoyed reading, listening to big band music, and sitting by the fire. Lowell took pride in integrity. He loved his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren. He treasured his wife Betty.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel, and his brother, Donald Hesse ’47. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his sons, Gordon, Roger, Jon, Curtis, and Brian; grandchildren, Jessica Hesse, Kevin Hesse, Tyler Campbell, and Ashley Campell; four great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Bergendahl Hesse ’46 and Mary Bentzlin. Memorials may be made in Lowell’s name to Zion Lutheran Church.