In loving memory of
Thomas Hesseling

• April 28, 1940
• -
• April 29, 2021

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Thomas J. Hesseling
Born 4/28/1940 in Dubuque, Iowa
Died 4/29/21 in Orange City, FL
Survived by his wife of 62 years, Juanita M. Hesseling
His parents were Donald and Dolores Hesseling. He had 2 sisters and 3 brothers and many nieces and nephews.
5 Children, Susan Mesnard, Mary Crago, Joseph Hesseling, Laurie Serrao, Mark Hesseling
20 Grandchildren
24 Great grandchildren

Tom was in a very serious car accident and broke his back when he was 16 years old and was told that he would never walk again but his determination and spirit showed that the doctors were totally wrong. He went on to not only walk but have a very normal life. He promised the Virgin Mary that if he had daughters he would name one of his girls after her and asked her to pray to her Son for his healing. He named his second daughter Mary and all 3 of his daughters have Mary or Marie as one of their names.

His favorite hobby was building and he built many houses, made beautiful crafts and furniture and taught all of his sons and daughters his skills and how to take care of things.

Tom was always loving and romantic at heart and left little notes in the children’s school desks at PTA meetings, which delighted them. He also made little crafts with notes attached for the the love of his life and attached love notes to her. Every year on Valentines Day he would place a card and small box of chocolates or candy on their places at the table before leaving for work at 4:30 a.m.
Grandpa also loved to play “Santa” on Christmas Eve for his grandchildren and neighbors That was a fun time for all! He always made others smile with his quick humor and quips.

Tom was loving, energetic, ambitious and goal driven. He was the most Christian, charitable person on Earth and was always willing to help anyone and everyone who needed it. He had such a giving, cheerful heart. He was also a Knight of Columbus for many years and did so much to help them and the needy whenever asked. The word “NO” was never an option and he always helped with a cheerful heart. He was truly a Knight in Shining Armor! He and his wife were Eucharistic Ministers, also, and sometimes substitute Sacristans and they both belonged to The Rosary Makers groups and made rosaries for the church to bless and hand out to the needy, the missions and anyone who needed one. They both belonged to the “Respect Life” group and always defended the unborn children. They stood on street corners with the supporters during the Right to Life Campaigns.

He worked for Frito Lay for 28 years and never missed a day of work and was rewarded often for his dedication to service for always going above and beyond and doing the extras. He did a remarkable job for them.

Tom loved to play his guitars for relaxation and enjoyed it tremendously and so did his family.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend and will be missed so very, very much by all of us.

Tom, you were truly a Knight in Shining Armor and you are in our hearts forever! We love you & miss you and ask God to bless you, always!!! You were taken from us so suddenly. See you later !!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO