March 28, 2024

Kenneth Hesson

March 7, 2015

Kenneth “Larry” Hesson, 78, of Baxter passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2015 with his loving family by his side. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Rollin Watters officiating. Burial will follow in Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

Larry was born on Oct. 26, 1936 to Raymond and Thelma (Snook) Hesson in Newton, Iowa. He attended school in Newton, and graduated in 1955. Larry attended Iowa State University. He moved to Baxter in 1956 to work with his father who owned the Baxter Meat Locker. Larry spent the majority of his career with Curtis Industries working 18 years as a sales representative and trainer before retiring in 2000. Larry met and married the love of his life Alice “JoAnn” Perry of Zearing, Iowa on March 16, 1958 in Clemons. The couple resided in Baxter where they raised their family together. Larry belonged to and was active in The Congregational United Church of Christ in Baxter, Model A Club, Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors (OPEN) Board, an advisor to the Baxter Economic Development Corporation, Jasper County Concert Association and was on numerous Church Boards. Larry recently resigned from the Baxter City Council after 16 years of service. He loved spending time with his family, traveling, music, theater, his 1929 Model A car, camping, Church Choir and telling stories and jokes.

Those left to cherish his loving memories are his wife of 56 years JoAnn, of Baxter; children Russell (Deanna) Hesson, of Ames, Alison Hesson, of Denver, CO, Rhonda (Patrick) Prendergast, of Newton, Rodney (Julie) Hesson, of Chaska, MN, and Angela (Terry) Mrla, of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren Monica Prendergast, Meagan Prendergast, Melissa (Adam) Nelson, Madison Mrla, Paige Mrla, Nile Hesson, and Lucas Hesson; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Ream, Hunter Hesson, Clayton Crouse, Cooper Nelson, and Tanner Nelson; sister Shirley (Richard) Pilgrim; sisters-in-law Maribelle Hesson, and Bonnie Perry; brother-in-law James (Helen) Perry; several nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Keith, and brother-in-law Loren Perry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Congregational United Church of Christ or to the Larry Hesson Memorial Fund for distribution to various charities at a later date.

Fredregill Family Funeral Home in Baxter has been entrusted with the care of Larry and his family.