Don Hesser

Don Hesser, 85, of Johnstown, took his last ride on February 2, 2025, with the rising of the sun. True to his spirit, no services are planned. At the end of the day, the measure of a man is not in worldly possessions, but in the love and respect of those he cherished—and Don was deeply loved.

Born on December 27, 1939, in Stillwater, OK, to Paul and Irene Hesser, Don was an identical twin to Dan. He was predeceased by his parents, step-parents Esther Hesser and Jim Smith, brother Dan Hesser, sister J'Nan Swinney, and her husband Dwight. He is survived by his sisters, Sue (Larry) Gilliland and Vera (Ray) Pollard.

A gifted athlete, Don played basketball and was a semi-pro left-handed pitcher in his late teens and early twenties. His adventurous spirit led him to conquer Colorado’s fourteeners multiple times, along with those in California and Montana. When he wasn’t scaling peaks or running marathons, he dedicated 43 years to Colorado State University as the Director of Information Technology.

Family was at the heart of Don’s life. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, daughters Debra (Richard) Haddad and Diane Hesser, and bonus daughter Tanya (Doug) Witt, whom he gained when he and Cheryl married in July 1980. His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Don was a cowboy at heart, happiest riding his horses or honing his skills at the range. He had a deep love for his two dachshunds, who were his loyal companions. He was quiet yet strong, intelligent yet humble, an avid reader, a pillar of support, and above all, a devoted family man.

He will be profoundly missed, but his love, wisdom, and adventurous spirit will live on in those who knew and loved him.