Lester Victor Hess

On June 4, 2022, Lester Hess, an incredible man and follower of Christ was called to heaven. In Les’s life he filled many roles. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, and friend. But to all, he was an amazing person.

Les was born to Viola and Leo Hess of Carthagena, Ohio on January 9, 1955. He was one of seven children, a 1973 graduate of St. Henry High School and earned a Masters Degree in Business from The Ohio State University.

He married Sharon Ahrns, the love of his life, in 1975 and they moved to Dayton, Ohio where they created a loving home and raised 5 children.

In 2001 they moved to Hilliard, Ohio as empty nesters for the first time after many years of entertaining a busy household. Columbus became their home and Les fully embraced the scarlet and gray.

Les was dedicated to his work in finance, working at The Mead Corporation in Dayton for 27 years, followed by Worthington Industries in Columbus and Cardinal Health in Columbus from which he retired in 2018.

In his retirement he filled his life with his many passions. Early mornings were spent tending the Golf Course of Dublin, followed by gardening side by side with his wife, Sharon. He loved cheering on his grandchildren in their sports and activities on the weekends and enjoyed bourbon with his sons at family celebrations. And of course cheering for his Buckeyes every Saturday, O-H!

Faith and family were everything to Les. He worked hard his whole life to provide for a large family and to raise his children to also follow Christ. Home is where his heart always was and he found the most joy when surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Les had a brilliant mind, with a love for non-fiction and a thirst for knowledge. Les was dedicated to his community, serving the church and the less fortunate in a multitude of ways. Les was dependable, showing up early to tailgate his grandsons’ ball games and always lending a helping hand – whether it was to help build a fence, stain a swing set, watch the grandkids, or help on the farm. Most of all, Les was caring, with a signature wink that said, “I love you.”

He loved family vacations, January retreats to Marco Island, and he simply loved a beautiful day to tend the garden, feed the birds and enjoy margaritas on the patio.

If you asked Les what he wanted for Christmas he would reply, “Peace on Earth.” If you asked Les what he wanted when he was recently battling illness he would reply, “I want to go home.” That is why now we are all feeling blessed to know that Les is forever in peace and he is finally home.

He will be lovingly missed by:

His Wife:

Sharon Hess (Hilliard, OH)

His Children:

Kevin & Annie Hess (Reading, OH)

Jeff & Joan Hess (Sioux Falls, SD)

Nathan Hess (Cincinnati, OH)

Jay & Christina Hess (Delaware, OH)

Jill & Nick Geiger (Centerville, OH)

His Grandchildren:

Louie Hess, Benny Hess, Charlie Hess, Meredith Hess, Magnolia Hess, Elizabeth Hess, Thomas Hess, Kaylyn Hess, Addy Hess, Camden Hess, Hugh Geiger, Claire Geiger

Brothers, Sisters, and In-Laws:

Sr. Edna Hess

Martie & Fred Hoying

Carl Hess

Joe & Ann Hess

John & Rita Hess

Kathy Ahrns

Joyce & Bud Johnson

Pat & Gary Heitkamp

Gerard & Evelyn Ahrns

Rick & Elaine Ahrns

Mary Jean & Fred Siefring

Jim Ahrns

Carol & Paul Keller

Nancy & Dale Clune

Along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in Death by:

Children:

Megan Hess

Mother & Father:

Leo & Viola Hess

Mother & Father In-Law:

Julius & Mary Alice Ahrns

Sister & Brother In-Law:

Rosy & Dave Dirksen

Sister In-Law:

Eileen Hess

Brother In-Law:

Don Ahrns