Bobby Gene Hess

Bobby Gene Hess, known to most as Bob, passed away on June 30th, 2025, in Hastings, Nebraska. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Apfel Funeral Home in Kenesaw, NE. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until time of memorial services. Burial with military honors will follow at Kenesaw Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born on May 31, 1941, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Genevieve and Earl Hess.

Bob proudly served his country, entering the U.S. Army on January 7, 1964. He served for two years of active duty and then continued in the Army Reserves until January 1970. His years of service reflected the dedication, loyalty, and quiet strength that defined his life.

On June 23, 1968, Bob married Linda Kay Williams, beginning a 56-year journey of love and partnership. Together, they raised two sons in Kenesaw, Nebraska, Troy Eugene and Shane William, who inherited their father’s work ethic, values, and appreciation for the outdoors.

Bob devoted his entire professional life to his work as a telephone lineman. Though the company changed names over the years, Bob’s love for the job never wavered. He took great pride in his work and the connections he helped build—both technical and personal.

Outside of work, Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and shooting a wide variety of firearms. He especially loved sharing these passions with his grandchildren, patiently teaching them how to hunt, fish, and appreciate nature. He was also their biggest fan, rarely missing a sporting event or opportunity to cheer them on.

Bob never met a stranger. His easygoing nature and genuine interest in others made him a friend to many and a treasured presence in every room.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Genevieve and Earl Hess, and his brother Don Hess.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Linda, and his sons Troy (Kathy) Hess of Minden and Shane (Brenda) Hess of Wood River. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hunter Hess of Hastings, Carlie (Taryn) Hawks of Shelton, Teagan (Jessi) Sitzman of Milford, Kansas, Sabrina Hess of Dayton, Ohio, Haylee Sitzman of Wayne and Ashlyn and Eli Hess of Wood River.

Bob’s legacy lives on through the stories he shared of UFOs and Sasquatch, the lessons he taught of patients and devotion, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.