Jay C. Hesse

DAKOTA DUNES | Jay C. Hesse, 61, of Dakota Dunes, CEO and president of Blue Ox in Pender, Neb., died Sunday, June 22, 2014, at a Sioux City hospital after he lost his battle with cancer. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Heese Event Center at Pender Public School in Pender, Neb. The Rev. Miles Ruch, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Pender. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 5 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. Condolences may be sent online at www.meyerbroschapels.com. Jay was born on Dec. 19, 1952, in Pender, the son of Myron C. and June W. (McQuistan) Hesse. He graduated from St. John's Military School in Salina, Kan., and attended Kansas University. On Nov. 12, 1981, he married Sandra K. Vets in Las Vegas, Nev. As owner, chairman of the board, CEO and president of Blue Ox, Jay had a personal commitment beyond the desire to grow the business his grandfather started more than 85 years ago in Pender. He began his career with Automatic Equipment (Blue Ox) in 1975 after attending the University of Kansas. In 1979, he joined FMC Corporation and worked there through 1981 before returning to Pender, where he served as vice president of sales and marketing for six years before assuming the role of president in 1987. His leadership in the RV industry and community was well recognized. He was solely responsible for guiding Blue Ox into the RV industry after a down turn in the agricultural sector. Jay was also responsible for finding many of the market niche needs that make up Blue Ox's line of products. Jay had been an active member of the RV industry for the past 30 years. He has served as president of RVAA (formerly known as WDA) in 1996/97. Prior to that, he served in several officer and director capacities for the aftermarket association. Jay was been actively involved in the Go-RVing Coalition and as well served on the various committees for RVIA and RVDA. Jay received the distinct honor of receiving the Jim Barker Person of the Year Award from RVAA. Jay resided on the board of directors for the RVMH Hall of Fame and served on the technical advisory board for RVIA. His strong commitment to the growth of the industry was demonstrated in the associations he had served. One of his personal goals was to help the industry, as a whole, work more closely toward achieving its common goals. He was also a big supporter of the Pender community and served on the Economic Development Committee to ensure the growth of Pender. Jay was an avid Husker fan and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed boating and RVing with his family. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Survivors include his wife, Sandy; a son, Michael Hesse and his wife, Holly of Sioux City; a daughter, Sonja Hesse of Pender; a brother, Selwyn Heese and his wife, Florene of Columbus, Neb.; two sisters, Jann Hamilton and her husband, Don of Bullhead City, Ariz., and Ava Chester and her husband, Steve of Omaha; five grandchildren, Isabelle and Zachary Hesse and Jayde, James and Jacob Bensen; a niece, Jenifer Putnam; and two nephews, Arn Heese and Dr. Bryce Heese. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Sara Hesse. Memorials in Jay's honor can be sent to Pender State Bank attention Jay Hesse Memorial Fund 222 Main St., Pender, NE 68047. Considering Jay's strong belief in education, the family's intentions are to use these funds toward a scholarship and toward future development of his beloved RV Park.