Douglas Richard Hesselberg's Obituary
Douglas "Doug" Richard Hesselberg, 74, of Palmetto, Florida passed away August 29, 2015 with his family by his side. Doug was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, to the late; Joseph L. and Ann (nee Heintz) Hesselberg. He grew up on a farm with 13 siblings. Doug knew what it was to work at an early age. He attended school and had fun playing baseball and softball with his brothers and cousins. While working at a tv repair shop, he dined daily at a small restaurant across the street, where he met and fell in love with Bonnie Callaway. They dated 6 months before marrying on February 6, 1965. Doug served in the Army National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked as a Biomedical Field Engineer with Beckman Instrument, repairing laboratory equipment across the states of Florida and Georgia. He retired after 25 years of service. Doug was a man with a strong work ethic, proud, yet humble. He always enjoyed celebrating birthdays and accomplishments of those in his family. Doug wanted the best for his family, encouraging Bonnie to receive her doctorate degree in nursing, providing his children with the best educations. Doug led by example and never met a stranger. He made many friends while volunteering at Manatee Memorial Hospital, serving on the Board of Directors for the Manatee Memorial Hospital Auxillary and Board of Directors for the HOA of Bay Club. He ejoyed woodworking, including the construction of rocking horses for the grandchildren and a grandfather clock for Bonnie. He worked part time at Home Depot in Bradenton for 10 years. Doug's life changing event occured on January 27, 1965, when he found salvation in the Lord.
Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Bonnie Hesselberg, of Palmetto, FL, daughter, Beulah Ann (Barry) Hammond, of Tampa, FL, son, Richard Douglas Hesselberg, of Tampa, FL, grandchildren; Jacob Ryan Hammond, Bonnie Marie Hammond, Anna Michele Hammond, siblings; Stanley (Lois) Hesselberg, Joseph (Barbara) Hesselberg, Donald (Carol) Hesselberg, Robert (Karen) Hesselberg, Dennis (Sue) Hesselberg, James (Rita) Hesselberg, Joanne (Lester) Bjorkman, Florence (Donald) Peters, Jean (Jim) Flock, Margaret (David) Smith, sister in law, Lucille Hesselberg, Doug was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; William and Hugh Hesselberg, and sister, Lucille Severson.
A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Palmetto, Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 12:00-1:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Following the service, refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall. Entombment at Skyway Memorial Gardens will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug's honor may be made to First Baptist Church of Palmetto.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Skyway Memorial Funeral Home, Palmetto, FL. Online condolences can be made at www.skywaymemorial.com.
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