Bill Hessling

COTTAGE GROVE-Bill Hessling, 67, of Cottage Grove, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 22, 2017, in Sun City, Ariz. He was born on Feb. 26, 1950, in Madison, to Earl and Libby (Wopat) Hessling. Bill graduated from Monona Grove High School and was married to Norma Penshorn on Sept. 11, 1976. He started working for Sears while he was in high school and made it his career for 38 years. Upon retirement, Bill became a school crossing guard in Cottage Grove and enjoyed helping the kids and waving to everyone at his corner. He remained a crossing guard until he and Norma decided to winter in Arizona. Bill couldn't wait to get out to the warm sunshine. He was an avid baseball fan starting with watching his kids play and then his grandchildren. Bill followed the Milwaukee Brewers beginning with the preseason in Arizona. He enjoyed traveling and spending time at Dutch Hollow Lake in Wonewoc. Bill always had new projects going, flowers to plant, and cooking for any family events. He was the happiest spending time with family and joking with his children and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife Norma; three children, Michael (Trish), Adam, and Penny Jo (Chris) Brown; grandchildren, Hattie and Holden Hessling and Louie and Libby Brown; brother, Jim (DeeDee) Hessling; sister-in-law, Nancy (Norman) Becker; and nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a twin, Warren, who died shortly after birth. Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County HWY AB, McFarland, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday May 4, 2017 and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. We will miss your sense of humor and your optimistic phrase, "Every day is a great day." Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420