Sandra K. “Sandy” Hesse, 67, Blue Ox board member and wife of Jay C. Hesse, passed away at her home in Dakota Dunes, S.D., on Thursday, July 25, 2019, surrounded by family and close friends.
Sandra Kay, daughter of Veto and Wilma (Bunjes) Vets, was born May 22, 1952, in Sioux City. She grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Heelan High School. Following high school, she attended and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames. Sandy worked for 35+ years as a social worker for State of Iowa in Sioux City until her retirement.
Sandy was united in marriage to Jay C. Hesse on November 12, 1981, in Las Vegas, Nev. Their family made their home in Sioux City on the Northside for several years until Sandy and Jay built their home in Dakota Dunes in 2008. Jay passed away on June 22, 2014.
Dogs were Sandy’s passion. Her love for dogs and training them led to a business venture named Countrymanor Cavaliers of Dakota Dunes. For the past 10 years, Sandy has devoted her life to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy business. This venture has led to many new friendships and traveling to Europe for dog shows. She took great pride in making sure each puppy was placed in a great home. Sandy truly enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Sandy will be remembered as the kindest, nicest and most positive person anyone has ever met.
She is survived by one son and his family, Michael and Holly Hesse of Sioux City and their children: Isabelle and Zach; one step daughter, Sonja Hesse of Pender, Neb., and her children: Jayde and Matt Gatzemeyer of West Point, Neb, James Bensen of Pender, Neb., and Jacob Bensen of Pender, Neb.; special lifelong friends: Kris Woodington, Ellen Payne and Natalie Wilson; and numerous other friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jay; daughter, Sara and one brother, John Vets.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at First Lutheran Church (3939 Cheyenne Blvd.) in Sioux City with Pastor Kristine Stedje officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation will also resume on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.meyerbroschapels.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, 505 S. 45th Street Omaha, NE 68106
