John Richard Hester

John R. Hester, 88, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed peacefully, on November 4, 2019 from dementia related complications. He was born March 18, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Ronald and Mary Ann Thompson. John's mother, Mary Ann died giving birth to him. He was lovingly raised and adopted by his aunt and uncle, Herma and Joseph Hester of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Preceded in death by his biological parents and adoptive parents and wife, Shirley Hester; brothers, Ronald Thompson and William Thompson.

Survived by his daughter, Maryanne Riege, (Steve) and son, John Richard Hester II, grandchildren, Megan Merrell, (Chris LaMarca), Tracy Merrell, (Tarik Esseraidi), Abby Merrell, Leeanne Mako, (Jimmy Mako), Lindsay Hester, step grandchildren, Sarah and Brian Kurtz, Mason, Caden and Henry, and Ross and Natasha Riege and Theodore and Emma, other family and friends brother, Tom Thompson (Jeanine) many nieces and nephews and Martha Hester.

John proudly served his country in The United States Air Force during the Korean conflict from 1951-1954. After which he attended The Ohio State University and Kent State University prior to moving to New York City, where he met his wife, Shirley Sabolia Hester.

He devoted most of his entire working career in medical supply sales. He was one of the founding employees of Medline Industries in the mid 1960's until his retirement in the 1992.

John was an avid golfer having played in the Air Force, college and throughout his entire life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of…to the Men's Golf Program Support fund #312890 at The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 W. Lane Ave. Columbus, OH 43221 or via https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/?fund=312890

A private graveside ceremony will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019. Family will receive friends Sunday, November 24 from 11am-1pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221.

A very special thank you to the Staff at Wright House Memory Care in Mequon, WI and Aurora Hospital in Grafton, WI for the loving care they provided to John.