"Wow when ever I think about the Auction College and to have graduated with Larry. Larry's name always pops up in my head. What an awesome guy the laughs we had me being Canadian and Larry American he treated me like family always. I was only 20 at the time but I will treasure the times we spent going to class and the dorm we shared. I will see you again and look forward to sharing some stories. All the Best you definitely will be missed."
In loving memory of
Larry Gene Hess
April 2, 1950 - January 24, 2013
Larry Gene Hess, 62, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at his home in Hampton. He was born on April 2, 1950, in Hampton, Iowa, to Robert and Roberta (Bohner) Hess. Larry graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1968 and Reisch Auction College in 1975. He was united in marriage to Sandra Siems in 1969 and later divorced. On June 10, 1978, he married Margaret "Maggie" Beeman, in Haltom City, Texas.
Larry's entire life revolved around horses. He was a true 21st-century horseman. His passion was helping horses with people problems and helping people with horse problems. He and his wife, Maggie, spent many years together racing horses at tracks across the United States. They had also worked as part time instructors in Kirkwood Community College's Equine program, trained horses for the public, and conducted horse-training seminars and clinics for many years.
Larry was a wonderful companion to Maggie for 34 ½ years, and he was a terrific dad with a great sense of humor who was caring, understanding, and always teaching. Larry enjoyed carpentry, playing guitar, dancing, roping, Folger's coffee, country music, and researching family genealogy. A lifelong academic in the study of horse and human communication, Larry also had an artistic flair and loved to write poetry. Spending time with his family and friends was the joy of his life, and the coffee pot was always on.
Larry is survived by his wife Maggie of Hampton, daughter Lisa Slocum and John Ross of Waverly, daughter Michelle Roose and Mitch Miller of Sheffield, son Justin and wife Kendra of Cedar Rapids, son Samuel and wife Sarah of Waterloo, grandchildren Justine Roose, Megan Roose, Chase Slocum, Krislyn Flora, Kylea Hess, Kenzie Hess, Jonathan Hess, Selah Hess and Abigail Hess, brothers Dennis and wife Mary of Hereford, Arizona, and Roger and wife Delores of Crowley, Texas, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Roberta, step-mother Hilda and brother James.
Burial will take place at a later date.
Tributes
"I only met Larry a couple of times when he lived in Charlottesville, Indiana. I only live about 3 miles from his home. Wished I had gotten to know him better, we had alot in common......guitar, roping, and especially HORSES! We both loved country music and we'll meet again on horseback in horse heaven. Dave Miller Carthage, Indiana"
"To the family of Larry Hess The obituary has summed up what Larry was and will be to many people for years to come. He was such a well liked man by so many. We remember most seeing him at the Waverly Horse Sale. He will be missed by many."
"Haven't seen my first cousin Larry since we graduated from high school in 1968. We saw a lot of each other as kids because we lived close to each other. What a great man he became. Wish we had stayed in touch. Condolences to his beautiful family. Rose Lee Hess Moore"
"Maggie & family, Will never forget the attending Larry's horse seminars sponsored by PAWS. I watched in awe & respect at the truly great horse whisperer. Larry had a way with the equine breeds that I had never experienced. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Cinnamon, Romeo & I will be burning a candle tonight in honor of Larry. Thinking of you, Beverly Bauchert"
"Larry and I went to grade school and high school together but didn't become good friends until 30+ years later when we met again in central Indiana. Larry was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have had the privilege to know. He and Maggie taught me so much about dogs, horses, and alpacas. He had a true gift to communicate with animals. The world is a lesser place without Larry. Maggie, please know that you have our love and thoughts with you."
"I am a cousin on his mothers' side. Son of Harm and Bernice Penning. We spent time together as children, then lost track until we went to visit him and his wife when they lived in Wellsburg, and then we moved further away and drifted apart again. Wished we could have spent more time together. Sorry he had to leave so soon. Our condolences to the family. "
"Maggie - Gina and I were planning on coming to visitation but the roads don't sound the best. Just want you to know how lucky we are to have known you, Larry, Justin and Sam when the kids were going to School. You are very special people and I know Larry will be greatly missed, but the memories will last forever. Our very deepest sympathy!"
"Oh Maggie, so sorry for your loss. Yes, I remember both of you, & your love of horses. My deepest sympathy to you & your family."
"We were introduced to Larry so many years ago, when he lived north of Clarksville. We were told to send a young horse, Diego, to him, for training. A few weeks later, to our amazement, we met him on Main St. in Clarksville riding him to our home, on Hwy. 3. Wow! R.I.P., good friend."
"Justin introduced me to Larry and Maggie a few years ago. I was impressed with them and their talent with animals. Many thoughts and prayers to the Hess Family."
"Sorry I didn't know my cousin better. Condolences to the family. Phil Hess"