Lee Hesselink

Lee V. Hesselink, 64, of Sheboygan, died peacefully on Friday morning, April 11, 2014 at Sheboygan Progressive Care Center where he resided for the past two years. Lee was born on May 4, 1949 in Sheboygan, the son of the late Vernon H. and Leora (Brasser) Hesselink. He attended Whittier School, Adell Grade School, Liberty School and graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1967. On April 3, 1971 he married Ruth A. Portschy at Hingham Reformed Church by the Rev. Roger Dalman. Lee worked as head of maintenance at Dutchland Plastics in Oostburg for the past 24 years and up until the time of his accident in 2004. Previously he worked at Simplicity Mfg., and owned and hauled bulk milk for Gibbsville Cheese and owned JLR Transport for several years. Lee was a member of the Bethany Reformed Church in Sheboygan where he helped with the Kids Club and Summer Bible School. Formerly, he was a Sunday School teacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Random Lake and was a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Oostburg Presbyterian Church. He was a Cub Scout leader, member of the Snowmobile Club, Oostburg Jaycees, and was an organizer for the Summer Knights Car Club. He enjoyed classic cars, playing cards, collecting coins, traveling, gardening, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, downhill skiing, family vacations, and spending time on his hobby farm. On May 19, 2013 he participated in the My Team Triumph Run sponsored by Cell Com in Green Bay, a 13.1 mile marathon. He was as strong Captain Lee that day. He had five special angels, Carrie, Michael, Pam, Kim and Allison. It gave them great pride to put on training shoes for five months and his strong force kept them training harder. When they were tired of training, they would talk with Lee. His force made them work even harder. His pure awareness of everything that we take for granted will be forever held in their hearts. It was the greatest race the angels ever ran...a humbling experience. They will train again and do for others, to keep Lee's spirit alive. Bless you angels. Lee is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth; one daughter, Carrie Ann Hesselink of Sheboygan Falls; one son, Jeffrey Lee Hesselink of Sheboygan; two granddaughters, Kaylla Hesselink and Aliyah Huerta; one sister, Vicki (Ken) Olafson of Sheboygan; and four brothers, Gary (Janice) Hesselink of Hingham, Curt (Jeanne) Hesselink of Cedarburg, Mark (Janice) Hesselink of Cedar Grove, and Dean (Susan) Hesselink of Oostburg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. He will be truly missed by his family and many friends. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Leora Hesselink; his parents-in-law, John and Hildegard Portschy; a brother-in-law, Henry Portschy; and a nephew, Brian Portschy. A funeral to celebrate Lee's life will take place at 6 pm on Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Bethany Reformed Church, located at 1315 Washington Ave in Sheboygan with the Rev. Philip Rose officiating. Family and friends will gather at the church on Friday from 1 pm until the time of the service at 6 pm. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated for Bethany Reformed Church and the Miracle Flight for Children. The Hesselink family would like to extend their deep appreciation to everyone who helped Lee and their family along the way during his life in a wheelchair; the pastors at Bethany Reformed Church, Froedtert Hospital, Dr. Michael Johnson and his staff, the staffs at Sheboygan Community Care, St. Nicholas Home Health Care and Hospice, Sheboygan Progressive Care Center, Sally Thone, his caregiver and dear friend; Jim Sandee and Jenni Luebke and the many many other people who have helped and encouraged Lee and his family for the past ten years. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Hesselink family.Reception:Bethany Reformed Church1315 Washington AvenueSheboygan, WI 53081

Visitation

Friday, April 18, 2014 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Bethany Reformed Church
1315 Washington Avenue Sheboygan 53081, United States

Service

Friday, April 18, 2014 6:00 PM
Bethany Reformed Church
1315 Washington Avenue Sheboygan 53081, United States