Obituary of Dwayne Hess

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dwayne Hess, who left this world peacefully on March 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dwayne was born on October 3, 1959, in Quincy, Illinois, and lived a full life that was marked by love, adventure, and dedication to family and friends.

The youngest of three boys, Dwayne grew up in a loving home, the son of Donald and Pauline (Akers) Hess. He was raised with a strong work ethic and a passion for the outdoors and travel, which would later define many of his interests and pursuits. 

In high school, he was a drummer in the marching band, played basketball and ran track. He graduated in 1978 from Unity High School in Mendon, Illinois. After highschool, he studied engineering at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for a couple of years. It was there that he made the decision to switch from engineering to drafting and design. Less math, more fun, according to him.  

Dwayne began his professional career in 1980 as a drafter and designer with Booth Brothers & Company, Inc. His commitment and expertise shone through as he navigated various changes in the industry. In 1983 he married Christine Keller, and later that year welcomed their only child, a daughter named Heather. 

After Booth Brothers was taken over by Simons (also known as Amec, Amec Foster Wheeler, Wood) in 1996, Dwayne continued to showcase his skills. He and Heather relocated to Minneapolis in the summer of 1997, where he worked diligently until December 2019. In 2020, he embraced new challenges at Haskell, where he served as a Project Coordinator. In 2021 he transitioned to VAA until his retirement in March 2024 due to health reasons. His tenacity, calm demeanor, and drive were evident in every aspect of his work, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond his career, Dwayne was a lifelong outdoorsman who cherished every opportunity to connect with nature. He found joy in hunting, fly fishing, and camping, and was an avid cycling enthusiast. Dwayne's adventurous spirit led him to tackle several mountain peaks in Colorado, a bike packing trip from Glacier National Park through Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, where he most notably climbed the Going to the Sun road with a very heavy bike. He even biked along the Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Francisco and biked most of the way around Lake Superior. He participated in numerous RAGBRAI events with Team RoadKill, creating cherished memories with friends and fellow cyclists along the way. Dwayne logged thousands and thousands of miles on two wheels, powered by his own strength. It’s that tenacity and mental fortitude that carried him through the last few years of his life.

Dwayne is survived by his daughter, Heather (Jordan) Dickinson, and his cherished granddaughter, Sloane. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy Hess and Rick (Jean) Hess, and many nieces and nephews. Dwayne was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Donald and Pauline Hess, and his sister-in-law, Brenda Hess. His family and friends will remember him for his kind heart, unwavering support, and the warmth he brought to every gathering. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Dwayne and his family through his cancer journey. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Save The Boundary Waters, an organization that resonates deeply with Dwayne's love for nature and the great outdoors. Contributions can be made at [Save The Boundary Waters] (https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/donate).

Dwayne Hess was a remarkable man whose legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the memories he created. Though he may no longer walk (or ride) among us, his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As we bid farewell to a devoted father, loving brother, and steadfast friend, we take solace in knowing he is at peace, surrounded by the beauty of nature he cherished so dearly.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina MN 55435