Hessel Lammert Zwaagstra

Hessel Lammert Zwaagstra passed away on June 16, 2021 at the age of 64. He was born to Johannes and Maaike Zwaagstra in Wommels, in the providence of Friesland in The Netherlands. Hessel emmigrated to the United States as an infant with his parents and two older brothers.

He dedicated nearly 50 years to working the family business, Zwaagstra & Sons Dairy. Hessel was a member of the Dairy Farmers of America until he retired in 2008. He loved all animals, his garden, playing the harmonica and guitar, taking trips to the beach and the desert with friends, but most of all he loved his wife, his children, and his family.

Hessel was a loving husband, father and brother. He was a fiercely loyal, loving and joyful family man. He was the kind of man everyone looked forward to seeing and who you knew you could always count on. Hessel will be fondly remembered for the light he could bring into the room with his great big smile, hearty laughter, great sense of humor, and for entertaining us with his famous ‘Train Whistle’. He was beloved by his children, family and friends and will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing he is home with our Lord.

Hessel is survived by his wife, Diana (Thorne) Zwaagstra; his children Justin, Kristin, Hessel Jr., and Kailyn; his grandson Konnor; his mother Maaike; brothers Meindert (wife Sharon), Bertinus and John; sisters Elizabeth, Jeanet (husband Chris) and Margaret (husband Shawn) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Johannes.

Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 9th, 2021. The Memorial Service will be held at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell St., Visalia, CA on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at 12 noon at Hessel’s home.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.