08/25/2026
On August 17, 2026, Alfred Hesse, known by his friends simply as “Al”, peacefully surrendered his life to the Lord and passed into eternity. It was the culmination of the life of a man who, for two weeks shy of 97 years, lived an inspiring and vibrant life. He was born on August 31, 1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas as the first son of two German immigrants, Alfred Sr. & Else Hesse.
Alfred was an ardently faithful Catholic who brought joy and hearty laughter to every single person he ever came into contact with. A master punster, a consummate artist, a gifted musician and singer, and a multi-faceted tinkerer, he left a memorable impact on our lives.
Alfred lived the entirety of his life in Corpus Christi. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School where he forged some lasting friendships. It was during Junior High School years that Alfred took an interest in the band and began playing the clarinet. This would be the beginning of a life-long passion for music. Art was another passion of his and this set him upon a path that would eventually become a career. Following graduation, he attended Del Mar College, where he performed in the Del Mar Viking Band, playing the clarinet and the bass clarinet.
After finishing at Del Mar, he began studies at the University of Texas where he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Shortly thereafter, he came home and began looking for a job. It was during this time that he met Adelle Matula, the woman who would become his wife. She was a devout Catholic and she had an aunt, Sr. Gabriel Gajdos, who was praying rosaries that he would convert and marry Adelle. Having already been inspired by many devout Catholic friends, Al decided to take instructions to become a Catholic. Al & Adelle were married in 1954 and they celebrated 72 years of matrimony together.
Al worked at Central Power & Light Company (CP&L) as a graphic artist. He stayed with the company 35 years until his retirement. Many of his co-workers commented that Al was a joy to work with and that he always had a great sense of humor.
Al and Adelle raised three children, Steve, James, and Paul. In order to make a little extra money to provide for their children’s education, Al engaged his musical talents by playing polka music in a band called The Jolly Dutchmen. During his time in the Army Reserve Band, he learned to play the saxophone, which he often played in his polka gigs. At some point, he added playing the accordion to his skills. During many of his free moments, Al spent time gardening, tinkering, inventing, painting, and watching sports. He has left behind a number of paintings that are prized by the family. Always ready to take up a challenge even in the waning years of his life, Al took up playing the Ukulele at the ripe age of 92. This became one of the great joys of his final years as he played with the Ukulele group at the Viera Senior Living residence.
More important than anything to Alfred was his faith. He diligently strove to be a good Christian example, a devoted father and a gentle, humble servant. After his conversion, he became a very active Catholic. He was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church where he spent forty or more years singing in the choir. He also served as a Reader at Mass. He was involved in the St. Pius X Men’s Club, the Alhambra’s, the parish Boy Scout program, the St. Pius Travelers, and Serra Club, which promotes priestly & religious vocations. He was one of the most friendly, lighthearted men you could ever meet. The person that he was revolved around an implacable prayer life and a profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist. He left a lasting legacy during his lifetime.
Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Hesse, Sr. and Else Hesse; and his sister, Barbara Hesse Rico.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Adelle Hesse; his brother, Henry Hesse of Albuquerque, NM; his sons, Steve Hesse (Lori), James Hesse, and Fr. Paul Hesse; his grandson Christopher Hesse (Laura); and his great-grandson, Michael Hesse.
A public visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with internment to follow at Seaside Memorial Park.
A reception will follow at St. Pius X Parish Hall, 5620 Gollihar Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in memory of Alfred Hesse to the Diocese of Corpus Christi Seminarian Burse Fund or the Corpus Christi Serra Club (Not Sierra Club) to support priestly vocations.
