George Hess of Longville died peacefully Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, at Woodrest Nursing Home in Walker, Minn. He was 93. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 13, at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville with Rev. John Monson officiating. Inurnment followed in the church cemetery. George A. Hess was born July 20, 1910, in a log cabin east of Howard Lake to Alexander and Emma Hess. He married Viana Wiisanen in 1934. They made their home in Kingston. After the birth of their daughter Judy, they moved to Minneapolis where George worked for the Fuller Brush Company. After several years, they moved back to King-ston where they owned and operated the Riverside Tavern. He also sold animal feed and was a school bus driver. In 1955 they moved to Willmar and he worked in real estate. Their favorite pastimes were square dancing, fishing, snowmobiling and traveling. They retired to the Longville area during the early ’70s. He remained active by providing lawn care services until he was 81. George always greeted people with a friendly smile, a warm welcome and a firm handshake. He was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church and the Longville Young at Heart Club where he volunteered his services in numerous ways. He loved to dance, play cards and tell jokes, but most of all he looked forward to the regular visits from his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his wife Vi, six brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his daughter Judy; seven grandchildren: Monica (and Steve) Scurr, Gayl (and Erik) Bunes, Kari Arens, Gwyn (and Rob) Connoy, Jammie (and Jill) Arens, Jimmy Arens, Teresa (and Mike) Chasteen; ten great-grandchildren: Neil, Nicole, Krista, Chrissy, Ryan, Kyle, Troy, Trent, Aaron and Amanda; four great-great-grandchildren: Ashley, Luke, Cody and Devin; two brothers: Herb Hess and Dale Hess; many nieces, nephews and friends. “Grandpa George and Grandma Vi are now dancing on the clouds in heaven.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Salem Lutheran Church or the Longville Young at Heart Club.
