Daniel Hess

Daniel K. Hess, 84, of Venice, FL formerly of Grand Rapids, MI passed away of natural causes on Thursday November 28, 2013.

He was born to the late Maurice and Elizabeth (Wisted) Hess, August 14, 1929, in DeKalb, IL. Daniel had a BA in Education from Northern Illinois University and MA in Reading from the University of Chicago and was employed as a Reading Specialist for over 30 years. The majority of his career was for the Grand Rapids Public School system. He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students. He and his family moved to Grand Rapids in 1969 to take the role of Director of Information Services for the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Daniel had many accolades throughout his career including President of West Aurora Teachers Assoc., President of Grand Rapids Reading Assoc., published author of many educational articles for national magazines, and winner of a national educational public relations program NSPRA.

His love for theater and community volunteerism followed his entire life. As a young man Daniel was the Business Manager for the Fox River Valley Symphony in Aurora IL. He was active with Grand Rapids Civic Theater, President of Grand Rapids Community Circle Theater and also performed at children’s parties as the MadHatter. He then originated the MadHatter booth for kids to make paper hats at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts. Daniel was a lifetime member of the Grand Rapids Elks Club. He was a current member of Sun Coast Cathedral MCC in Venice, FL and a former member of First Park Congregational Church and Douglas Community Church. In retirement Daniel loved to travel across the globe, garden and sew.

Daniel was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years Christine (Brogunier) Hess and cherished grandson Matthew S. Kutsche. He is survived by four children: Jon (Susan) Hess, of Grandville, MI; Ann Hess, of Wyoming, MI; Mary (David) Kutsche, of East Grand Rapids, MI and Andrew (Kym) Hess of Eagle, MI. He also is survived by six much-loved grandchildren Kyle (Melissa) and Sarah Kutsche, Abby, Charlie, Zachary, and Justin Hess, nieces, nephews, and dear friend Duane J. Tabbert.

In lieu of flowers, Daniel’s wishes are that donations be made out to The Daniel K. Hess Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Community Circle Theater.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 on Saturday December 7th at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

A private family burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Saugatuck, MI.

Arrangements by the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. To sign an online registry or leave a memory, please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.