James Heesch's Obituary
James Heesch, age 65 of Seymour, Iowa passed away July 18, 2011, following a 3 year, 9 1/2 month courageous battle with stage 4 melanoma cancer. He was born April 5, 1946 in Algona, Iowa to Melbourne and Evelyn (Hanson) Heesch. Jim Graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1964. He worked as a hired hand for area farmers until being drafted into the Army in 1965. He was stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska as a chemist, and was discharged in 1967 as SP/4. In October of 1967 he purchased his first farm west of Joice, Iowa. He simultaneously worked at Paper Calmenson and Electric Machine in Minneapolis in 1969.
In September of 1969 he married Norrine (Nelson) Heesch of Scarville, Iowa and to this union two children, a daughter Codi and a son Clint were born. While farming Jim worked at Winnebago Industries until 1973 and delivered motor homes during the off-farming season until 1976 when he and his wife farmed full time. He custom harvested in the Dakotas' for a few years and also custom harvested for the area farmers. Jim purchased farm ground southwest of Seymour in 1983 and moved to their current residence in 1990.
His hobbies included construction of buildings, houses and machinery. He bred and trained American quarter horses for over 35 years. He was passionate about the heritage of farming he shared with his children and grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife Norrine, daughter, Codi (Heesch) Christianson and her husband David; son, Clint Heesch and his wife, Andrea (Honsey) Heesch; five grandchildren, Tuff Christianson, Colt Christianson, Tell Heesch, Wyatt Heesch and Paige Heesch; brothers David Heesch, Miles Heesch; sisters Susan Heesch, Elaine Heesch, and sister Barbara, and her husband, Lonnie Flake; also one sister-in-law, Helen (Nelson) Coumes and her husband Michel; 3 brothers-in-law, Gerald Nelson and his wife Cynthia, Tim Nelson and his wife Linda, and Arlyn Nelson and his wife Kris; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melbourne Heesch and Evelyn Heesch; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norris Nelson and Florain Nelson; and brother-in-law Aaron Rognehaugh.
According to family wishes, Jim has been cremated and there will be no public services. He will be buried at a family plot. Condolences may be left online at www.langefh.com. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.
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