David John Hess, age 83, of Brighton, CO, passed away peacefully at Jaxpoint Memory Care on Thursday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born in Glendive, Montana on July 22, 1942, David was the eldest of six children of Aileen (Cooper) Hess and John W. Hess. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Fallon, Montana, attended school in Fallon, and later graduated from Terry High School in 1961.
On November 10, 1962, David married his high school sweetheart, Diedree Ban of Terry, MT. Together, they took over the ranch from her parents, Ivan and Hattie Ban. Over the years, they welcomed Michele Mary, Candice Kay, Pamela Jean, Michael Dean, and Duane Lee to their family. The family ran the farm/ranch until 1983, when they sold it and moved to Terry.
After their move, David briefly worked for the county road crew. When he sustained a back injury, he returned to college, studying electrical technology in Wahpeton, ND, earning his associate degree and beginning a dynamic career that spanned several states. In 1986, David and Diedree relocated to Milpitas, CA, later moving to Salt Lake City in 1990 for a year, and finally settling in Broomfield, CO in 1991. From rebuilding electric motors for mining equipment, to working as a mechanic, or truck driving, David’s resilience and work ethic were ever-present. He ultimately found his true passion as an electrical technician in the robotics industry, building electrical panels with precision and pride.
In 1996, David and Diedree made their home in Brighton, where they resided together until 2023, when David transitioned to memory care.
David was devoted to his Catholic faith and served in many roles over the years, including Eucharistic Minister, lector, greeter, and parish board member. He also served on the local school and fair boards while living in Montana. David was a true jack-of-all-trades. He ran cattle, planted crops, fixed machinery, and taught his kids the values of responsibility and perseverance. He was a pilot, flying to check cattle, shuttle locals, and commute from Terry to Wahpeton while attending college. David’s final flight was made possible through Wish of a Lifetime in August 2024, where he enjoyed the beauty of Colorado’s farmland. He had a passion for craftsmanship—especially leather tooling and woodworking—and created everything from saddles and belts to custom cedar chests and oak cabinetry. He and Diedree enjoyed dancing, gardening, card games, spending time with their dogs, and most of all, a house full of family.
David is survived by children: Michele Sanders of Gypsum, CO; Candice Dow (Steven) of Brighton, CO; Pam Bartholomay of Littleton, CO; and Duane Hess (Clara) of Loveland, CO. He also leaves behind his brothers Tim (Karen) Hess of Terry, MT, Tom (Darlene) Hess of Billings, MT, and Ken (Vicky) Hess of Miles City, MT, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diedree, son Mike, siblings Richard (Lola) Hess and LeAnn (Gary) Meidinger, and his parents John and Aileen Hess.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, Miles City, MT. A Rosary will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Miles City, MT. Rite of Committal will follow on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery, Terry, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wish of a Lifetime at https://wishofalifetime.org/ or RG Residential ALF Memory Care Fund, C/O Jaxpointe, 12650 W 64th Ave Unit E219, Arvada, CO 80004.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 23, 2025
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
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Carolyn Kimball says
My sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of your dad and mom. They are now reunited, again together.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. He was one of the good guys!
Linda Koehler says
Words convey so little when hearts feel so much… May special memories help you through this difficult time…
Greg and Cindy Ban says
I spent a lot of time at the Hess house in Fallon. Le Ann and I were best of friends. I remember her brothers always teasing me. David was a great man and will be remembered by many. My deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family. Prayers for all.
Delphine Coon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Del Linda Frost says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dave’s family.
Andrea Miller says
My thoughts and prayers go out to David Hess family and friends during this difficult time.
Stan Pehl says
I did not know David, but I do note he is the older brother of one of my classmates. Carol and I express heartfelt condolences to Tom and Darlene. Of course the Hess family has made a memorable mark in Prairie County, and it appears David’s life showed his persistence and ability to change as his circumstances changed. It seems his life reflects some impacting lessons to others. My best to all the family.
William Sanders says
Dave, I found a great respect and admiration for you when I became a part of your family in 1987. You and Diedree accepted me though I had my faults.