Dwayne N. Hesse

Dwayne Nathan Hesse passed away on June 10, 2025, at his home in Sioux City, Iowa, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Dwayne was born on September 10, 1937, in Charter Oak, Iowa, to William W. and Ethel Belle Hesse. He was the fourth of six children, and the family lived primarily in the Charter Oak, Anthon, and Mapleton areas.

He married his lifelong sweetheart, Virginia Rose Jacobsen, and together they raised eight children. Together they left quite a legacy and were blessed with 51 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. This legacy continues to grow with two great grandchildren on the way.

Dwayne proudly served nearly 10 years in the Iowa Army National Guard. He also learned welding, metal fabrication, and facility maintenance from his father and other family members—skills he passed on to all of his children. Throughout his life, he worked for several companies, including Go-Maco in Ida Grove and Wilson Trailer and Trinity Rail Car in Sioux City. Though he never held a formal engineering degree, Dwayne was a remarkably talented and hard working, self-taught engineer whose practical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and creative thinking earned deep respect from both his colleagues and his family.

He had a lifelong passion for model trains and once built a detailed replica of the entire Sioux City railway system. He also loved the mountains and cherished time spent with his family.

Dwayne is survived by his brother, Jerry (Dixie) Hesse; his children, Byran Hesse, Marty Hesse, Douglas (Pam) Hesse, Donald (Krystal) Hesse, Rhonda Dickinson (Don Borland), Richard (Cheryl) Hesse, and Sheri Miller (Joel Kampen); and his daughter-in-law, Paige Hesse and his large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Virginia; his eldest son, Steven D. Hesse; daughter-in-law, Debbie; his brothers, Alvie and William Hesse; and his sisters, Arlene Schuman and Donna Kleihauer.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 10:00 AM at Meyers Brothers Morningside Chapel. A visitation will take place on Friday, June 13, from 5:00–7:00 PM.