Louis Ferdinand Hesse Jr. (93) of Burgaw, NC, (formally of Godfrey, Illinois.) after a long and fulfilling life, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family in the final moments of his earthly life.

He was born on February 26th, 1933, to Louis and Louise Hesse. Louis Jr. was a fraternal twin making him one of 3 children. The family planted roots in Godfrey, Il. and there Louis and his 2 sisters grew up.

Louis graduated from Marquette High School in 1951. He met the love of his life, Agnes Droste, while working on the Droste family's asparagus farm.

Louis was an Army veteran, having served from 1954-1962. Deployed to Korea, he worked alongside fellow soldiers as a member of the Signal Corps, maintaining peace after conflict hostilities had subsided. He went into the reserves once making his way back home to the states.

He attended the Missouri School of Mines, where he studied Electrical Engineering.

Louis worked as the Manager of the Electronics Components Corporation in Burgaw, from 1971-1987. He was a real estate agent for many years and retired from Corning Fiberoptics Inc. in 2001.

As a devout Catholic, his faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived with humility, compassion, and a strong moral compass, guided by his beliefs. He was a Member of St. Josephs Catholic Church in Burgaw, NC for 55 years. He served as Parish Council President for many years. He also served as Financial Council Chair, Faith Formation Teacher, CYO moderator, Cemetery Administrator, Maintenance Committee, and Lector.  Not only an admired member of the Catholic Church, he also served his community in many capacities, including The Lions Club and The Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, working in his yard, and most of all time with his family.

Louis is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Agnes Marie Droste Hesse. They were married for 55 wonderful years. Also preceded in death were his parents, his twin sister Lorraine, his older sister Louise, and his great-grandson Joseph Morgan Hesse.

Louis is survived by his eight children, Jean (Jeff) Corbett, Louis (Robin) Hesse, Diane Hesse, Lisa (Richard) Mantooth, Steven Hesse, Bill (Angie) Hesse, Don Hesse, Larry (Gina) Hesse. Sixteen grandchildren, Brandon, Jonathan (Jessie), Chris (Taylor), Travis (Jessica), KerrieAnn, Leigh, Deanna (Miranda), Hilary (Dustin), Addison, Thomas, Emily, Taylor, Gracie, Nick, Lauren, and Christian.  Fifteen great-grandchildren, Luke, Allen, Henry, Lila, Sawyer, Hudson, Easton, Memphis, Ayden, Colton, Jada, Kinzley, Walker, Asher, and Chase.   The grandsons will be pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 8th, 2026, from 6-7pm , at Harrell's Funeral Home, 212 S. Dickerson St. Burgaw, NC.  Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, May 9th, 11am at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 1303 Hwy 117 South, Burgaw. Internment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Josephs Catholic Church.