Joseph Dwight Hess Sr.

Joseph Dwight Hess, Sr, peacefully passed at the age of 96, on Sunday, September 1, 2024. He was receiving hospice care at Pleasant View Retirement Community where he resided the past 8 months with his wife Lois. Joseph, the son of David Leaman Hess and Amelia Buckwalter Hess, was born December 20, 1927. He grew up with 8 siblings on a farm in Maytown, PA. He graduated from East Donegal High School in 1945. Joe Hess married Lois Wert of Elizabethtown, PA in December 1949. They bought a farm on RR1, Mount Joy (now Anderson Ferry Rd) from his father. He and Lois raised beef, tobacco, tomatoes and 9 ‘tomato-picking’ children. He was fondly referred to as “unslow Joe.” In 1972 the operation became a partnership with Joe Sr. and Joe Jr., changing to dairy and continuing with tomatoes. Their 9 children are Debbie Kipfer, Elaine Linder(Bob), Joe Jr.(Linda), Rachael Webster (Bruce), L. Sue Kawase (Yutaka), James (Rosemary), Dean (Maryanne), Don (Kathy) and Dan (Gloria). Elaine & Bob Linder and Dan preceded him to heaven. In 1993, Seth Pobee from Ghana found refuge on the Hess farm and became family. His wife is Sherry. Joe and Lois have 36 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He has 2 surviving siblings: Andrew Hess (Mt.Joy) and Owen Richard Hess (Goshen, IN). As a younger man he was driven to succeed. The influence of the charismatic renewal in the Mennonite church had a profound impact on his life, and his inner drive became focused on honoring Christ. Joe and Lois were known for hospitality and opened their home to many guests from around the world. Dad found great purpose in praying for the nations and giving support to missionaries. Dad retired at age 80 when his shoulders kept him from climbing up onto the tractor. He devoted much of this time to delivering free eggs and produce. He spent many hours playing Rook and Rummikub with Mother and anyone who stopped by. He loved telling jokes to any visitors at their home across from the farm. The memorial service will be held 11 AM Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 320 Musser Rd, Mount Joy. A time of refreshments and sharing will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be collected for missions via checks to Kingdom Life Network of Christian Ministries.

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Joseph Dwight Hess Sr.

December 20, 1927 - September 1, 2024