Louis John Hesch

Louis John Hesch, 93, of Millstadt, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday January 2, 2024. Louis was born on October 30, 1930, in Afton, MO to Louis George and Elizabeth Hesch, nee Dierker and his parents precede him in death. Louis was also preceded in death by his sisters: Theresa Ritter and Elizabeth Howard, brothers-in-law: Leslie Howard, Richard Pautler, Ken Guinn and Dick Kachewski.

Louis grew up in Afton, Missouri and was a lifelong truck and grain farmer. He entered the United States Army in 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War and was decorated with the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before he was honorably discharged in 1954. He then went on to graduate from St. Louis University with his Bachelor of Science degree and began a long career as a brewer for Anheuser-Busch, the career he would ultimately retire from.

In his spare time, Louis loved hunting, meat shoots, going to auctions and church picnics He was fascinated with steam engines and enjoyed studying trains. He had a sharp mind for numbers and math. He had above average eyesight and enjoyed throwing for sport. He was very hardworking and enjoyed gardening, draft horses and Pontiac V-8 autos. He loved to relax with a cold Coke and a Hershey’s bar. Louis was blessed with the gift of gab and never knew a stranger or ever forgot a year or date of anything. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt for many years.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara A. Hesch, nee Luebbert, whom he married on September 29, 1973 at Holy Guardian Angel Church in Brinktown, MO, his children: Louis (Angela) Hesch, Edward (Amy) Hesch, Judy (Efrain) Aburto Ramirez, Agnes (Damon) Dinwiddie and Joseph Hesch; his siblings: Phillip Hesch, Francis Pautler, Mary Guinn, Agnes Kachewski and brother-in-law Bob Ritter; his grandchildren: Emma Hesch, Louis J. Hesch, III, Morgan (Antonio) Stefani, Mallory (Cody) Hesch, Miranda Hesch, Tiffany (Dan) Whelan, Nicholas Aburto, Brianna (fiancé Jack) Aburto, Arcadio Aburto, Cariela Ramirez, Yadier Ramirez, Logan (Elizabeth) Dinwiddie, Trey Dinwiddie and Graeme Dinwiddie; 4 great-grandchildren in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 5, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00pm at St. James Catholic Church, 405 W. Madison St., Millstadt, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00pm with Msgr. Marvin Volk, officiating. Interment will then follow with full military honors at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Paderborn, IL.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. James Catholic Church or St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery and will be accepted at the church.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.