March 24, 1920 -- June 15, 2003

Edward Joseph Hess, 83, of Sunnyfield Place, South Bend, Ind., formerly of Blaine Avenue, died at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2003.

Mr. Hess was born March 24, 1920, in South Bend, to the late Michael and Lucy (Niemier) Hess, and was a lifetime area resident. On Oct. 4, 1938, in South Bend, he married Dolores M. Kurdys, who preceded him in death on June 3, 1997. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Leo, Michael and Stanley Hess; and by two sisters, Martha Dodds and Theresa Graykowski.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol A. (Bob) Dosmann of Littleton, Colo., and Helen M. (Steve) Madick of South Bend; three sons, Thomas E. (Becky) Hess of Granger, Ind., and John M. (Rosemary) Hess and Christopher A. (Kathy) Hess, both of South Bend; several loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Monica Pawlak.

Mr. Hess retired as a machinist in 1985 from the Wheelabrator Fry Corporation in Mishawaka, Ind., and had previously been employed at the Studebaker Corporation. He was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II, and had served as an aircraft carrier flagman on the USS Santee in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart among other honors during his service. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 19, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Rev. James Rigert, C.S.C., officiating. Military rites and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., where a parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the National World War II Memorial, 2300 Clareendon Boulevard, Suite 501, Arlington, VA 22201.