Robert Lawrence Hess

Professor Emeritus, Robert L. Hess, PhD of Ann Arbor died on May 19, 2017. His wife, Gretchen (Ream) Hess, preceded him in death on November 1, 2006. Dr. Hess is survived by his three daughters, Mary Ann (Timothy) Whitmer, Linda Claire Groshans and Kathryn Sue (Christopher) Barnes, his six grandchildren Kristina and Charles Whitmer, Amy (Drew) Wiesner, Michael Groshans, Blake and Kevin Barnes, and his great grandson, EJ Wiesner.

Robert Hess was born in New Jersey on September 29,1924 and moved to the family homestead in Berrien County Michigan in 1930. There he attended a rural, 2 room school for his first 8 grades and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942. His parents and brother preceded Robert in death.

Robert Hess enlisted in the U.S. Navy's pre-officer training program, V-12. Assigned to the University of Michigan, he received two B.S.E. degrees in 1945 and was assigned to the Midshipman program at Columbia University and was commissioned as Ensign in October 1945. He served as junior division officer, main engines division, on a heavy cruiser at sea and later as division officer on a pair of light escort carriers.

Robert Hess and Gretchen Ream were married at Bethlehem Church of Ann Arbor on December 15, 1945. Upon release from active World War II service he returned to Ann Arbor, the home of his wife where, in 1950 he received his PhD in Engineering Mechanics and in 1958 he was appointed to a full professorship at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Hess held many academic honors and served the nation as a consultant to the World Health Organization and the Army Science Board. He also served as the personal representative to the Chief of the U.S. Army Intelligence Agency where he led teams of scientists though field reviews of the Army’s Combat Surveillance capabilities both in Europe and Korea. In addition, he was selected to be a member of President Nixon's first National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. He served with distinction at the University of Michigan where he is honored by a bronze bust in the lobby of the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, of which he was the founding director in 1965.

In the Pentagon, corporate offices, the classrooms and laboratory, Dr. Hess represented the best the University of Michigan could offer its students and country. The Department of the Army awarded him the Outstanding Civilian Service Award for his work as Director of Project Michigan, a Department of Defense program. His proven scientific talent and professional imagination contributed to the accomplishments of a broad team of scientists. He possessed a rare combination of skill, foresight, and devotion to country and family.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Saline on July 22, 2017 at 10:30AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 143 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176.

Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.