Christian Frank Hess

Christian Frank Hess, 59, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 after fighting ALS for almost 3 years. Frank was born June 24, 1960 in West Reading, PA to Frank Brendle Hess and Monica Ann Hess. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Elden Wilkens, and a brother-in-law, Terry Hardesty. Frank graduated from Conrad Weiser High School in 1979 and in 1983, attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Mechanization from Pennsylvania State University. He enjoyed soccer, track, singing in various choruses and quartets, being outdoors, farming, and gardening.

In 1983, he started his career at Sperry New Holland as a trainee, shop keeper and warranty analyst. In 1984, Frank moved to Salina, KS to work as an Area Service Manager. He continued his career as the company evolved into Ford New Holland and CNH Industrial in Lee’s Summit, MO and Elizabeth, CO, as an Aftersales Business Manager, retiring in 2015. His exemplary life was always in spending time with his loving family, helping his New Holland dealers and their customers, and serving others. Frank never stopped learning or teaching. His positive attitude and loving heart complemented his hard-working, compassionate, and selfless character.

Frank was a lifelong member of the Lutheran faith. He was baptized on August 5th, 1960 at Zion’s & St. John’s (Reed’s) Lutheran Church, and later confirmed there on October 3rd, 1976. When Frank was living in Salina, he became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was introduced to the Lutheran Laymen’s League, of which he became a member. It was here he met his wonderful wife Connie in 1985. On April 26,1986 they were married and had 33 beautiful years together. In Lee’s Summit, he became a member and elder at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. In Elizabeth, he joined Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church and served as church President for many years. The Lord Jesus always led his way. Frank was an active donor to Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Denver Rescue Mission.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Connie Rene Hess, whom he loved dearly. Together they have three wonderful children: Christian Frank Hess (Emily) - Clinton, UT, Rebecca Mae Ore (Alex) - Parker, CO and Jonathan Grant Hess - Loveland, CO. He is also survived by a brother: Andrew Hess (Jodi) - Robesonia, PA. Other survivors include a mother-in-law, Bernice Wilkens, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation and service for Frank will be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4022 Park Lane, Elizabeth, CO 80107. Friends and family are welcome to visit on Friday, October 4th, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with a memorial service following immediately at the church. The interment will follow the service at the Elizabeth Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Olinger, Andrews, Caldwell & Gibson Funeral Home 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the ALS Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover St, Suite 500, Westminster, CO 80021 to help find a cure for which Frank was such a warrior. Memorials can be made to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church and to the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. The family would also like to recognize and thank New Century Hospice for their wonderful service.