George E. Hess, 73, Halstad, MN, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at HIA Heather's House in Fargo, ND, after a fall he did not recuperate from.

George was born to his beloved mother, Betty, and hard-working father, Ed, on December 29, 1952.

The youngest of four children, George spent his young years with his best friend and brother, Larry, unsupervised! With all the opportunity to build mischief into their summer days, he recalls the wonder that no one got seriously hurt. With a bicycle and his other best friend, Don, within pedaling distance, George had freedom, independence, and security as his mother's best friend Dolly always welcomed him when he got there, about 4 miles away on the country road!

He spent his working years farming, starting with half days at nine years old and whole days, by the time he was 11 years old. In his sisters, George saw their quest for excellence in school as something to admire, like two very good older sisters. George built his house in his 20's, his log shop in his 40's, and filled them both with memories and beautiful metal work! He never cooked the same thing twice!

Upon retirement he tended to his big backyard where he hunted and fished. He played with his "toys" as he would say by helping neighbors take down old windrows and buildings past their time with his dozer and backhoe. We will remember him for his large laugh, flamboyance, and need to follow his own unique path.

He passed too soon! He lived a life fuller than many. He would say, "Drop the clutch, let her buck and hope for the best."

George is survived by Daisy; "his" Kimmy; two sons, Ben and Zeke; a third chosen son, Tyler Kinkade; three grandchildren, Grace, Cooper and Liam; and his two sisters, Doris and Linda.

He will be laid to rest next to his mother and brother in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Pleasant View Cemetery, c/o Deb Alexander 604 Lily Lane, Ada, MN, 56510.

A private family burial will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 followed by a gathering of family and friends to celebrate George's life at the Heart of the Valley Golf Course, Ada, MN at 2:00 PM.

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