BYRON –Harold “Bunker” Leroy Hess, 96, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 18, 2018. He was born on Sept. 26, 1921 on the family farm north of Sterling. He was the son of Milton and Katie (Nunemaker) Hess, and one of 12 children.
He graduated from Lanark high school. He was blessed to find love with 2 women. He married his first wife, Delores Aldrich on Nov. 24, 1944. She preceded him in death on July 29, 1952. He married Ozella Massey on Sept. 2, 1953, in Davis. His early years spent farming in Rock Falls. In 1955, he moved to Byron to work for Standard Oil as a bulk truck driver. He continued to work for Standard Oil until 1975 when he had the opportunity to take over the business from Standard Oil and started Hess Oil serving all of Ogle County. He retired in 1986.
In his younger years, he pitched on many men’s fast pitch softball teams. His love for baseball made him the perfect person to coach his kids’ baseball teams. He was a diehard cubs fan and was happy to see them win the World Series. He went from pitching softball to bowling when Polo built their first bowling alley. He continued bowling on several leagues throughout Northern Illinois, including Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. After retirement, his interest turned to golf and cards. He and Ozy spent many winters in Las Vegas playing golf and gambling. He enjoyed playing euchre with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader and traveled to 48 states. He was a charter member of the Byron Lion’s Club and a member of the Byron Chamber of Commerce.
Survived by his children, Richard (Virginia) Hess of Carol Stream, Vicki Marcum of Rockford, Terry (Barry) Stark of Stillman Valley, Tim (Janice) Hess of Davis Junction, and Cheryl (Mike) Wagner of Oregon; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Lindsay of Rockford; sisters-in-law, Mozella Casper of Rock Falls and Carol Radke of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his wife, Delores and infant son, Daniel; his wife, Ozella; his parents; 5 sisters and 5 brothers.
Special thanks to his caregiver, Natasha and Serenity Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 pm, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home, Byron with Willie Little officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Center for Sight and Hearing and the United Church of Byron.
