Gene Hesterberg

Hancock

 

Gene A. Hesterberg, 92, a resident of Hancock passed away Sunday morning September 26, 2010, at the Delaware House of Portage Pointe where he had been a resident patient for the past two years.

 

He was born on August 30, 1918, in Cincinnati, OH, a son of the late Bert J. and Bessie (Zentmeyer) Hesterberg. He was raised in Indianapolis, IN, where he graduated from Arsenal Technical School. Mr. Hesterberg then graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Forestry and also from the University of Michigan with his Masters and PhD in Forestry.

 

Mr. Hesterberg was a veteran having served with the United States Army during World War II.

 

On June 2, 1941, he was united in marriage to the former Margaret Jones and she preceded him in death in 1978. On April 1, 1980, he was united in marriage to the former Judith Wuebben.

 

Mr. Hesterberg started his career as a biologist for the Michigan Department of Conservation. In 1948, Gene joined the Forestry Department at Michigan Technological University. He was a gifted instructor that touched many lives. He retired in 1981 as the Head of the Forestry Department . He mentored many forestry students over the years. Even after his retirement, he stayed active and loyal to the Michigan Technological University Forestry Department. The University honored his efforts by naming the Forestry Atrium after him. Professionally, he was active with the Society of American Foresters, American Forestry Association, Michigan Audubon Society, Michigan Academy of Science Arts & Letters, and Committee of Forest-Wildlife of the Wisconsin Michigan Section of S.A.F. Locally, he was active with the Lake Linden School Board, serving as a past president. Gene was instrumental in expanding the school forest. The trees he helped plant in the school forest were harvested and sold to help the school district. He was also a past president of the Keweenaw Memorial Hospital Board. Mr. Hesterberg was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

 

Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, and his brother Bert Hesterberg.

 

Surviving are: His wife; Judith Hesterberg of Hancock; His children; William (Sharon) Hesterberg of Rosendale, WI, John (Debby) Hesterberg of Port Huron, MI; His grandchildren; Brian, Christopher, and Katie

 

Funeral services for Gene will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock with Ronald Jouppe officiating. Burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery where the Copper Country Veteran's Association will hold military rites.

 

Friends may call on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock from 12 noon until the time of services.

 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Activities Fund at Portage Pointe.

 

To view Gene's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

 

The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.