Conrad Hesse

St. Marys-Conrad E. "Connie" Hesse, 85, died Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at the St. Marys Community Hospital. He was born February 10, 1929 at St. Marys the son of Conrad Francis and Edith Grace Brunin Hesse. Conrad graduated from St. Marys High School and served in the Army. Mr. Hesse had worked as an automaker in Kansas City; he also had worked for the alfalfa plant and had worked for the city of St. Marys for many years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Connie was a Life Member of Knights of Columbus # 657 with 67 years of service he was also a member of Jimmie Lillard Post No. 31 of the American Legion in Rossville. On November 8, 1981 he was united in marriage to Catherine Evelyn Dunn Simpkins in Topeka. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2008. Conrad was also preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers Bernard and Francis Hesse. Survivors include a step-son, Thomas Simpkins, Ft. Worth, TX; a step-daughter, Eileen Wagner, Springfield, MO; two sisters, Inez Norwood, Grand Junction, CO; and Stella Tyler, St. Marys; four step-grandchildren, Tara Wagner, Derick, Jeremy and Catherine Simpkins along with nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Mr. Hesse will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 22, 2014 at Piper Funeral Home where there will be a Prayer Service/Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Interment with Military Honors will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the St. Marys Manor Bus Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. St. Marys, Kansas 66536.