Doris E. Hesch, 90, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Dec. 26, 2018, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Doris was born in 1928 to Chris and Hazel Bredeson near Northwood, Iowa. They lived at several different locations until they moved to LeRoy, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school in 1946. The family moved on to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where Dorie enrolled in a four-year nursing program at Naeve Hospital. Dorie was in her first year of the nursing program when she met a young man at a local skating rink. His name was Gerald Hesch, a bus driver for the city of Albert Lea. They began dating, fell in love, and were married on Oct. 25, 1947, in Osage, Iowa. Dorie was 19-years-old. School was forgotten; Dorie had chosen a new career.

Jerry and Dorie started their married life in Albert Lea, but shortly thereafter moved to Andyville, Minnesota. They built a small home in Andyville and Jerry worked for a large equipment company owned by the Sauer Brothers. They were very happy and as their babies began to arrive, it was evident they needed a larger home. First Peggy, then Pam and Candy. However, that was just the beginning. Daughter number four (Kathy) was due, and that was the day Jerry arranged for them to move into a much larger home. Jerry changed his employment to the Hormel Company and remained there until he retired. Kathy, Robin and Mary were born, and finally two boys, Joe and Mike, were born.

Dorie took great pride in her family, her faith, and her home and she wanted to make sure her kids had the stability she never had as a child. She was very active in their school and church, was an avid seamstress, baker, housekeeper, and wonderful mother, wife and friend. She enjoyed cross-country skiing, dancing, camping, playing cards, and just being surrounded by her family and friends. She appreciated what she had and was grateful for her friends and family. She had a warmth surrounding her and everyone was welcome in her home.

She is survived by her eight children, Peggy Ellingson, Norco, California, Pam Hesch (Carol), New Hope, Minnesota, Candy Bakker (Gary), Austin, Kathy Strasser, Chino Valley, Arizona, Robby Spande (Dave), Owatonna, Minnesota, Mary Roszkowski (Matt), White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Joe Hesch, Portland, Oregon, and Mike Hesch (Lisa), Holmen, Wisconsin; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; one brother, David Bredeson, Rochester, Minnesota; and many many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Jerry Hesch; her brother, Harlan Bredeson; her sister, Lucille Fleming; sister, Mary DeMuth; and son-in-law, John Strasser.

An extra special thank you to the wonderful staff at Sacred Heart Assisted Living Facility and the staff on the full care side. You all were so kind to our family and helped us through this journey; our hearts are full of gratitude.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.