Edward A. Hessler

August 14, 1941 - September 30, 2020

Edward August Hessler, 79 years, of Horicon, WI died peacefully in his sleep joining Jesus Christ in his eternal mansion on September 30, 2020. Ed looked forward to hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) But he knew that “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ed was born August 14, 1941 in Wyandotte, MI to The Rev. Edward and Ruth (Lichtsinn) Hessler. He was born a child of God in his baptism on August 31, 1941 performed by his father Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Wyandotte. Ed publicly confessed his faith in confirmation on May 22, 1955 and received the precious life-giving body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, also from his father, Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Manistee, MI. He graduated from Manistee High School and earned his Bachelors and Masters in Education from Concordia Teachers College R.F. (now Concordia University Chicago). In college he met his future wife Janet Blase. After graduating in 1964 they were married on August 1 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL. and started their teaching ministry together at St. Peter Lutheran School in St. Peter IL. In 1973 Ed accepted a call to be principal and teacher at St. Stephen’s School, Horicon, WI serving until 1996. From 1997-2000, Ed substitute taught, assisted the principal at the Mayville WI Middle School and taught Summer School at Wayland Academy Beaver Dam. He taught at St. John’s Lutheran School, Mayville from 2000-2005. From 1997 until his death he was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam, WI. Ed’s main joys were following and serving his Savior Lord Jesus Christ, his wife, his family, teaching children, and playing golf (He was RRH Club Champion in 1974 and 1979 and 2nd place three times). Beyond helping as a vital member of the local congregation, he served on the LCMS-SWD board of directors, the Wisconsin Association of Nonpublic Schools, and in numerous congregations. His spiritual gifts of encouragement and prayer brought blessings to many. If you met him as a stranger, you would leave him as a friend. He is survived by his wife Janet, married 56 years. Son, Jonathan of Oregon, WI and his children Benjamin, Angela, Nathaniel and Christopher. Daughter, Michelle (Andreas) Buescher of Sersheim, Germany and her daughters Melanie and Marie. Daughter, Lisa (Craig) Switalla of Portland, OR and children Gillian and Caleb. Ed was the oldest of 6 siblings and is survived by David (Martha) Hessler of Westlake, OH; Dorothy (G. David) Downton, Carleton, MI; The Reverend William (Janis) Hessler of Saginaw, MI; Peter (Viola) Hessler of Seven Hills OH; and Sara (The Rev. Thomas) Marcis of Bismarck, ND. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be planned in 2021 when the time is right. Memorials may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church 400 Hillcrest Dr. Beaver Dam WI 53916, any Concordia University, either Concordia Seminary or any recognized service organization of the LCMS. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

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My sincerest sympathy to Ed's wife Janet and his family and friends everywhere. I enjoyed being with Ed and Janet in Silver Sneakers classes at theTag Center in Mayville. Ed was always joking around and he brightened my day. Ed resides in a beautiful world awaiting the arrival of his wife, family and friends. Praying for all who have lost this special man. God bless all of you! Debbie Linder

My sympathy to you Janet. I remember him well. He is in the presence of our Lord. May the Lord keep you in His loving arms.

Our deepest sympathies to you, Janet, and your entire family. I so enjoyed his presence at Silver Sneakers. He had a great following. Janet, I hope to see you back at the TAG center soon.

We remember Ed with fondness. Although he was in college when his family moved to Conklin, Michigan, we were his neighbors and my family, and my husband's family were close friends with them all. Our deepest sympathy to Janet and all Ed's family. We were blessed to be a part of the Hessler family in our childhood.

We cannot help but smile when we think of Ed. He truly was one of God' special servants. For Janet and family, what a joy to be certain of the eternal reunion! Blessings!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathy to Janet and all the family. It was my privilege to be Ed's Pastor from 1996 until my retirement in 2006. It was Ed who told the Celebration Choir the news of my coming retirement when I found it hard to find the words. I could always count on Ed for friendship, counsel, and support as we worked side by side in congregational work. Whether it was singing with Ed in the Celebration Choir or working through the complexities of a building project, the it was always a pleasure. Now he is with the Lord. Pastor John Breitwisch

My deepest sympathy to Janet and all the family. It was my honor and privilege to be Ed's Pastor at Peace Lutheran from 1996 until my retirement in 2006. I could always count on Ed for friendship, counsel, and support as we worked side by side in congregational life. Whether it was singing with Ed in the Celebration Choir or working through the complexities of a building project, being with Ed was always a pleasure. Now he is with the Lord. Pastor John Breitwisch

Thoughts and prayers with your family. So many memories of his days at St Stephens school.

Deepest sympathy to Ed's Family. Will keep you in my prayers.

May your memories of Ed hold you up during this time of loss. We remember many pleasant dinner and brunch conversations with Ed and Janet. Our prayers go out to his friends and family!

Ed will be missed terribly. Such a wonderful person and friend.

Ed was always smiling and being mischievous at Silver Sneakers. It was a privilege to have met him and to have enjoyed his company. My condolences to his wife, Janet. He will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy.

My deep sympathy of the passing on of Ed. Praying for Janet and family. Ed was a wonderful friend to many and I always enjoyed seeing him. Love, Rose Schaalma, Wayland Friend

The best friend and neighbor anyone could ever ask for You and your family will never be forgotten

Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Lots of good memories of Ed as a friendly neighbor. Dan and Sharon Pahl s

He'll be deeply missed by myself and Peace Lutheran congregation! Wonderful and caring man.

My deepest sympathy, remembering my dad Sponsored his Golf Team,many years of dad being proud of the team. Enjoyed his hellos at the TAG Center. Take Care and God bless.

My Deepest Sympathy to the family. My dad sponsored his Golf Team for many years, dad was so proud of them, taking first place for many years . Enjoyed Ed wave at the TAG center too. Take Care and God Bless

My sincerest condolences to the Hessler family. I have many fond memories in school and babysitting for the children. Beth Schwarze, student, Edgar, WI Oct. 01, 2020

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My Deepest Sympathy to the whole family. Sending warm hugs

Our sympathy and prayers to the Family

My deepest sympathy to the Hessler family-my thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many of my memories from St. Stephen's have him in them-as teacher, principal, athletic director-the list goes on. He always greeted you with a smile and a pat to the back-he was firm but fair and always had a great story to share. He genuinely cared for all of his students and wanted the best for them. His love for the Lord was evident in everything he did and I can only imagine the celebration happening in Heaven with his arrival.

I'm so sorry to learn of the unexpected passing of Mr. Hessler. He was my 8th grade teacher at St. Stephen in Horicon, and he was a breath of fresh air. He was funny, but firm, and made learning enjoyable. He was my favorite teacher at that school, and I will never forget him. My deepest sympathy for the entire family.

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Hessler's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and a human being. Sorry again

Michelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.