David C. Hess passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11th 2026, at the age of 90, having been surrounded by the loving care of his family.
Dave was born April 1st, 1936, to LeRoy and Marianne Hess in Racine, Wisconsin. He graduated from Racine Horlick High School in 1954. He then attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, to pursue a degree in Education.
Following his graduation in 1958, he was a high school math teacher in Seymour, Lake Mills, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Following this, he found his place as one of the original teachers at Wauwatosa West High School in Wauwatosa, WI, teaching high school algebra for 35 years before retiring and then substitute teaching in the same district for another 17 years. He was a dedicated member of the faculty and beloved teacher at Tosa West, having coached cross country and served as Senior Class advisor for several years. During his time at Tosa West, Dave also received his Master’s of Education from Marquette University.
On June 6th, 1959, he married his loving wife, Marlene Hess (Mausing), and had a lifelong cherished romance together for 67 years. The two were inseparable. In 1964, they moved to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where they built their forever home on Country Lane, and lived there for over 50 years. Here, they brought home their only daughter, Deborah Lynn (Benning).
All his life, Dave was a patient and soft-spoken man, but also kind, thoughtful, and fiercely protective of his family. He was a devoted member of Christ the King Lutheran Church (Unity Lutheran) for 50 years and was highly involved in many church activities.
He also loved to bowl, golf, and spend quality time with his family and friends. Often, you could find him playing cribbage in his kitchen with friends, bowling at Bowlero, golfing at Silver Spring Country Club, or enjoying a family cookout on the porch. He was also an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. He loved to travel as well, especially when it included visiting Walt Disney World or cruising with his granddaughters. He would truly do anything for the ones he loved.
Dave was preceded in death by his father and mother, LeRoy and Marianne Hess, and his brothers, LeRoy Jr., Robert, and Terrence. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; his caring daughter, Deborah Benning (Timothy); and his granddaughters, Alyssa Burke (Connor) and Lauren Benning.
Dave was an amazing husband, father, and Bumpa. He will be dearly missed, but will be in our hearts forever and always.
Visitation 10:00 Am – 11:30 AM, with Memorial Service at 11:30 AM, on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at UNITY Lutheran Church – Christ the King Campus, 4600 Pilgrim Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin, with a luncheon to follow. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Unity Lutheran Church.https://unitybrookfield.org/
