Wayne James Hess

Wayne James Hess (81) died on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Wayne was born in Borgholm Township, Mille Lacs County, MN in 1944 to Myrtle Hess (Dockendorf) and Russell Hess. He grew up on Pinehurst Dairy Fram, where he tended to the crops and animals. He had an older brother Jerry; older sister, Lorna (deceased); and a younger sister, Bonnie.

Wayne attended Crosier Seminary School from 1959-1963 in Onamia, MN where he explored joining the priesthood. After high school, he attended the Crosier House of Studies in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Afterwards, Wayne joined the Major Seminary for a short time before attending the University of Minnesota, graduating as an educator with two master's degrees. Wayne had five years of Latin and outshined at the U of M.

In 1971, he married his beloved wife, Denise Hess (Dumonceaux). Before settling in Red Wing, he completed an additional master's degree in speech pathology while teaching in Appleton Wi. In 1975 they moved to Red Wing, MN where he began his lifelong career as a teacher. Wayne supported students through speech pathology and special education.

Wayne and Denise were happily married for 55 years and had four children. He is survived by Wife, Denise; son, Nathan (Kristina); daughter, Amberly; son Adam (Joel); daughter Monique; and grandsons Grayson and Isaac; preceeded in death by his parents, sister, and his granddaughter, Isabelle.

He found many comforts in the Lord and was very involved in the Catholic Church of St. Joseph. Wayne continued to serve the Lord and his community through dedicated involvement in the Stevens Ministry, where he aided many through challenging times and illnesses.

Wayne was an excellent listener, had a witty sense of humor, and was sought after by his family and friends for his wisdom. As well as being a talented gardener and chef, he was a 20-year veteran of the Lion's Club. His focus was on finding ways to help others.

Mass of Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Church of St. Joseph, Red Wing, with Father Jose Cortes officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities that Wayne supported: Dorthy Day or the Catholic Charities.