In Memory

Al Hess

Alan Lee Hess, 76, of Morton Grove, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026. 

Alan was born August 2, 1949 in Dixon, Illinois to the late Robert Lee Hess and Bobbie Nell Hess, nee Bicknell.

Alan graduated from Dixon High School in 1967, and Loyola University-Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. He then began a 41 year career with the US Railroad Retirement Board, Policy and Procedures Program.

Alan met the love of his life, Jean, in Chicago, Illinois. Alan and Jean were married June 6, 1987 at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan, Michigan. Alan carried throughout his life the strong values of education, family, and faith. He was an avid reader, classical music enthusiast, Civil War buff, recreational golfer, backyard bird watcher, and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. Alan believed that social gatherings were the best time to relax and share memories.

Beloved husband of 38 years to Jean Hess, nee, Degenaer; loving father of Heidi Scalise of Glenview, Zachary (Jen) Hess of Bartlett, and Holli (Mo) Raja of Vernon Hills; cherished grandfather of Emily and Zayden; fond brother of Mike (Sharon) Hess, Connie Spangler, and LeeAnn (Kevin Klocke) Harn;  proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation at Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St. Morton Grove, IL 60053 on Wednesday, June 3rd from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to JourneyCare Hospice 405 Lake Zurich Rd. Barrington, IL 60601 appreciated. For information, Simkins Funeral Home (847) 965-2500

https://www.simkinsfh.com/obituaries/alan-hess?ttm_pid=211500900&ttm_affiliate=legacypro&ttm_affiliatetype=standard&ttm_campaign=legacy



 
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05/30/26 10:04 AM #1    

Gregory Cavanaugh

I went to grade school, St Mary's with Al and we had several classes together at DHS. Sad news indeed of Al's passing.


05/30/26 11:21 AM #2    

Curt LeBlanc

My condolences to Al's family.

05/31/26 07:32 AM #3    

Craig Willett

My condolences to Al's family....we had great times throghout high school and after....My God rest his soul.        R I P my friend. 


05/31/26 12:03 PM #4    

Patricia O'Rorke (Scites)

With deepest sympathy to the Hess family! (RIP)


06/04/26 10:27 AM #5    

Pat White

Al Hess was a great guy, always known as Al the Pal by some of his closest friends,  including Rusty Cooper, Mike Kopacz, Phil Henry, John Thompson, Gary Edmunds, Craig Willett, Bob Branson, and me. 

In a high school and at an age that prized the wisecrack and joke, Al was one of the most verbally witty persons I've ever known.  We hung around a lot in late grade school and all through high school and into summer vacations in college -- playing poker, basketball, and massive Risk and other war games in early high school days.  Al was very smart and possessed a bright mind for details, including generals and admirals from the Civil War to WWII, sports figures and their stats, and movie and political trivia.  

Al was also kind, steady, and a generous friend.  He was not afraid to take on the pompous or to challenge stupidity, but he was always a good and loving man.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Several of our class attended Al's memorial visitation and servicee in Morton Grove, June 3:  Gary and Kathy Edmunds, John and Debbie Thompson, Craig Willett, and my wife Chris and I.  


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