Wilbur J. Hess

Wilbur Joseph Hess, age 77, of Highland, IL., died Thursday, August 13, 2009, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL. He was born December 6, 1931, in Highland, IL., the son of William and Josephine (Arth) Hess. On September 3, 1956, he married Estelle W. Hess (nee Huelsmann) , who survives. Born at St. Jacob, IL; graduated from St. Jacob High School in 1949. Worked at the Alton Box Board Company, Highland, IL; then served active duty with the US Army during the Korean War, discharge in 1954. After his service with the US Army he continued to work at the Alton Box Board Company. He retired from Jefferson Smurfit, Highland, IL (formerly Alton Box Board Co), in 1993. He designed several patented items at the Box Board Co. He and his wife enjoyed many trips to Arizona. He was a life long Volunteer at the Fireman\'s Hall, Collinsville, IL; helped his son-in-law, manager, at Hamel Co-op Grain Company. He was a general handyman who could fix anything. He loved oatmeal cookies and summer sausage. He and his wife lived 2 miles NE of St. Jacob until moving to Highland in May of 2009. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church-Highland, IL;. He was also a member of former member of St. James Catholic Church, St. Jacob, IL; Knights of Columbus Hall-Council 1580, Highland, IL; American Legion Post 665, St. Jacob, IL Life Member; St. Jacob Volunteer Fire Department; Madison County Firemen\'s Assoc.. Survivors include Wife-Estelle W. Hess (nee Huelsmann) of Highland, Ill., Daughter-Kristie S. (Edward) Santel of Damiansville, Ill., Daughter-Gerise A. (Dave) Geiger of Marine, Ill., Brother-Cletus E. Hess of Hillsboro, Ill., Sister In-law-Marcella Strubhart of Aviston, Ill., Brother In-law-Norbert (Bernadine) Huelsmann of Breese, Ill., Brother In-law-Francis (Florence) Huelsmann of Highland, Ill., Sister In-law-Rita (Joseph) Musenbrock of Scottsdale, Ariz., Sister In-law-Alice Schrage of Breese, Ill., Brother In-law-Geraldine Huelsmann of Germantown, Ill., Brother In-law-David (Peggy) Huelsmann of Trenton, Ill., Brother In-law-Floyd (Dorothy) Huelsmann of Trenton, Ill., Special Cousin-Joe (Jane) Hess of Highland, Ill. He was preceeded in death by Father-William Robert Hess, Mother-Josephine Ann (nee Arth) Hess, Sister-JoAnn A. Bohnenstiehl (died 7/11/2004), Brother In-law-Paul Strubhart, Brother In-law-Alfred Schrage, Brother In-law-Wilfred Huelsmann Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Wilbur J. Hess

December 6, 1931 - August 13, 2009