Gary E. Hess has achieved comfort and peace through our Lord, upon his death, Monday, September 13, 2021. Gary was receiving care at Heritage Health in Mt. Sterling, IL since July 13, 2021. His family was at his side at the time of his passing. Gary was born in Quincy, IL, on May 8, 1938, to Fred A. Hess and Mary A. (Heubner) Hess.

He attended Quincy Senior High School and remained a Quincy resident his entire life.

He married his high school sweetheart, Maureen (Vaughan) Hess on June 9, 1956, and they had three children, Gail, Kevin, and Kirk, in spite of the fact that Maureen was stricken with polio as a young adult. Love conquers all!

Gary’s accomplishments were numerous. He was a faithful husband and father, a hard worker, and excellent provider.

Most of his career was in automobile sales. He started as a salesman at Baxter Motors in 1961, where he quickly was move into management. That dealership became Quincy Trading Post Chrysler, Plymouth, Imperial, where he was General Manager and Vice-President. In 1977 Chrysler Motors assumed ownership as Quincy Chrysler Center at 3801 Broadway, where Gary became President and General Manager. He remained there until taking the position as General Manager at Jappy Dickson Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Toyota.

On April 15, 1985, he established Gary Hess Auto Agency Inc. at 2801 Broadway, with his son Kirk Hess, and daughter Gail (Hess) Costigan coming on board to offer the “Area’s Finest Pre-Owned Vehicles”.
Gary Hess Auto Agency, (now Hess Auto Agency) has had several locations since 1985, starting at 2801 Broadway, then relocating to 3908 Broadway. After Drury Inn made a lucrative offer for the property, another move was made to 826 Broadway. Finally, a strategic move to 1124 N. 24th Street was made to capitalize on the advertising and draw of the large new car dealerships that were located on North 24th Street.

Gary’s philosophy was to offer quality vehicles at a fair price, and to treat the customer the way you would want to be treated. Gary has many loyal and dedicated customers that are a testimony to his honesty and integrity.
Gary led a full life with friends and family, experiencing many joyous times. He and Maureen traveled to Japan, Jamacia, and Hawaii together, as well as many vacation destinations and camping expeditions with the kids!
He loved golf and orchestrated many trips with his buddies that generated a lifetime of fond memories for all who were present!

Gary loved keeping his yard and home looking well maintained, although, as often as he rearranged shrubbery and furniture, family members had to check twice that they had come home to the correct address! He said he got that from rearranging and displaying his automobile inventory weekly!

He was active in his children’s lives, and coached and sponsored many sporting events, most notably, 5th and 6th grade basketball at St. Boniface School. This he did for over 9 years, not only coaching basketball but coaching in character and life skills as well. One young man (that he had to convince to play basketball, picking him up and taking him home from practice on several occasions) went on to be a standout player at QND, as well as receiving a college scholarship for basketball. Gary was also inducted into the CYO Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication and caring spirit.

Gary was a past board member of St. Boniface School, and Quincy Notre Dame High School, where he was instrumental in the consolidation of Notre Dame High School, and Catholic Boys High Schools. He cherished watching his children and grand children participate in sporting events while attending QND and was a great supporter for many years thereafter.

He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, Cedar Crest Country Club, St. Boniface Parish, and was a current member St. Francis Parish.

Gary will be missed by family and friends, but we are confident that he is celebrating with loved ones who have gone before him and is safe in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus.

The family would like to thank the family members, nurses, and CNA’s that cared for him in his times of needs. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Gary is survived by:
THREE CHILDREN: Gail Costigan and her husband Lawrence of Quincy; Kevin Hess and his wife Ellen of Palatine, IL and Kirk Hess and his wife Sherry of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: Colleen Johnson and her husband Patrick; Patrick Costigan; Christopher Costigan and his wife Reagan; Lauren Patel; Brian Hess; Brandon Hess; and Bridget Hess; David Hess; Shannon Slee and her husband Jordan; Eric Hess and Kaelyn Hess.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Aiden and Addison Johnson; Sunny Turner and Charli Costigan; Sawyer and Elliott Costigan; Oliver Patel; Thomas and Matthew Hess; Desmond, Elliana, Alizah, Conrad and Calina Slee.
A BROTHER: Terry N. Hess
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maureen on October 1, 2015, his parents Fred and Mary Hess, and a brother Michael Hess.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 9:30 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Quincy Notre Dame or Lifesong for Orphans. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.