George Edgar Hesser passed away on September 26, 2022.

HESSER—George Edgar Hesser passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 26, 2022, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Yola Hesser, and his daughter, Dawn McGloflin, by his side.  

Born to Charles and Imagene Hesser, George entered this world on May 25, 1926, weighing less than three pounds. He enjoyed 96 years of a healthy, well-lived, and accomplished life. 

George lived a life of service. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served during WW11 in the Pacific. He then graduated from College of Pacific in Stockton, Calif., and received his master’s degree from Cal Poly in San Luis Obisbo, Calif.  

Settling in Santa Maria, Calif., he was an educator for 30 years. He taught in the classroom, was the director of reading programs, and taught university classes for teachers at UCSB. Teaching was more than a career for George. It was a passion. He loved teaching kids and the kids loved him. It wasn’t often that he could go to town without hearing, “Hi nice Mr. Hesser,” from a current or former student. He also served on his local school board for 13 years, holding the position of president for many of those years.  

Upon his retirement, George moved to Florence, Ore., where he spent the remainder of his life. After arriving in Florence, he helped start a literacy program and gave freely of his time to continue educating. He was an avid reader of non-fiction and loved to discuss current and historical events with his friends.  

He was an exercise enthusiast and rode his bike until he was 92 old. He loved to tinker with his old cars, watch sports, travel and stay involved in his community. George continuously strived to make the world a better place, which included adopting a mile of the Oregon Coast Highway to keep clear of trash and debris.  

George was an active member of the Methodist Church for more than 65 years in both Santa Maria and Florence. He was a blessing to this world and will be greatly missed by family and friends.  

He is survived by his wife, their daughter, three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Florence United Methodist Church, 333 Kingwood Ave., at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County in Florence.