Charles E. “Chuck” Hess, 58, rural LaHarpe, died Friday, April 10, 2009, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

He was born March 31, 1951, in Iola to James G. and Genevieve Ellis Hess. He grew up on the family farm southwest of LaHarpe. He attended Zillah Grade School and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1970. After he graduated from Allen County Community College, he took over the family farm operation.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Humboldt, and the Allen County Farm Bureau. He was active in the Full-O-Pep 4-H Club east of Humboldt while growing up and was a leader while his sons were growing up.

He enjoyed visiting and playing cards and making stained glass projects.

On July 9, 1971, he married Mary Hottenstein at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Humboldt. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Brian and Jana Hess, Valley Center, and Brett Hess, Indianapolis, Ind.; two grandchildren, Kennady and Kaden Hess; four brothers, Jerry Hess, El Dorado, Phillip Hess, Butler, Mo., Robert Hess, Lawrence, and Bernie Hess, Humboldt; a sister, Joan Brigham, Leighton, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Julie Hess and Ann Ballenger.

Cremation has taken place. A rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Humboldt followed by visitation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Parish Hall next to the church.

Contributions to the Allen County 4-H Council may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.