Harold Robert Hess

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Robert Hess, of Altoona, following a short illness on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Harold was born on May 30, 1940, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to Rayfield and Pearl (Antone) Hess. He was raised on the family farm in rural Fairchild, the third of ten children and a twin. Harold attended Fairchild School, graduating in 1959, and greatly enjoyed spending time with his childhood friends.

After graduation, Harold took a job with a laundry company in Milwaukee, traveling home on weekends. He later returned to Eau Claire County, and after conversations with friends, applied for and was hired by the Eau Claire County Highway Department, where he spent his career.

On November 7, 1964, Harold and Norma Gilland were united in marriage at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fairchild. Three children were born to this union. After raising their family in rural Augusta, Harold and Norma moved to Altoona.

Following his retirement from the Eau Claire County Highway Department, Harold kept himself busy, always having a project to work on. He was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and running hound dogs. He was also a lover of the land-Harold always had a garden and took a genuine interest in the well-being of local farmers, often curious about how the crops and fields were doing.

Above all, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Harold is survived by his loving wife, Norma; his son, Dennis; and his daughter, Annette. He is further survived by his siblings: Barbara Gottlieb, Herbert (Alice) Hess, Sidney Hess, Bernadine (Roger) Rivard, Betty Durst, Bunny (Dan) Dux, Betsy (John) Lewitzke, and Fred (Sandy) Hess; his grandchildren, Amelia (Ellis) Ullom and Braden Hess; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert; his granddaughter, Rachel Hess; his sister, Blanch Antone; his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hess; his brother-in-law, Jerry Gottlieb; and his sister-in-law, Noreen Hess.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 12:00 noon, at Pentecostal Assembly Church, 9th Avenue, Eau Claire.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.stokeprockandmundt.com.