Joseph Michael Hessler of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the age of 72.
Dearest father of Jennifer (Allen) Howard and Bertram (Bonnie) Hessler. Dear grandfather of Tessa, Malcolm, Kaleb, Tatum, Ryleigh, Phoenix, and Sophia. Dear son of the late John and Loraine Hessler. Dear brother of John Hessler, Mary Glen (Daniel), Cheryl Ehret (Gary), and Anne (Dave) Warfield. Dear uncle, cousin, and friend.
Joe was a big Cardinals fan and loved bowling, beer, and a great deal at the flea market.
Interment at Calvary Cemetery will be held in private.
Joe was quite a character and very kind hearted, I remember when in the USAF and he came to stay with us in Phoenix. He was looking for a job and was almost out of cash so he decided to go to a park where a lot of young people hung out hoping to pick up some cash by asking for spare change. When he came back home he was completely broke as someone begged his money off him as he believed they were more needy than him. He was good hearted and generous. May he rest in peace.
That’s a great memory! Made me smile. Thanks, Gary
Wishing you and Bert the very best Jennie!!!
Thank you ❤️
Joe was my little brother, and very much loved by me. I have many happy memories of him, and will miss talking to him.
He especially loved his children, grandchildren and all his family including aunts, uncles, and cousins. He always let me know that.
He spent many, many hours researching our family history. He made copies of what he could get and sent them to me.
Joe worked hard his whole life, most of the time with no car to get to work. He took a bus and walked.
Lastly, Joe helped me to write the last story of our mother’s farewell for her funeral. I will always be grateful to him.
Life is precious!❤️
Joe was a great friend. I knew him since high school. His passing is a source of great sadness to me. He came to visit me not long ago, making a long drive, so I was shocked that his health took such a poor turn so quickly. We have stayed in touch through the years and I will miss his great wisdom, and his knowledge of so many different subjects. He was a man of kindness, honesty, and generosity who was faced with many adversities in life; but he never lost his sense of humor and good will. Rest in Peace, my dear friend.
So long brother. I hope you had enough good times to more than balance any of the adversities you experienced, especially at the end. Until we meet again!!
John