Mr. Hessling was a heavy equipment operator and a resident of Dexter.

On December 26, 1936 he was united in marriage to Freddie Pearl Hessling at New Madrid, Missouri.  Mrs. Hessling preceded him in death on January 26, 2006.

He is survived by five sons, Ralph Hessling Jr., Ronnie Ray Hessling, Everett Hessling, Gary W. Hessling all of Dexter and Gerald Hessling of Bloomfield; by one brother, George Hessling of Granite City, Illinois; by one sister, Grace Davis of Sikeston; by six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Besides his wife and parents he was preceded in death by one daughter, Vonda Jean Hessling.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 5 until 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2012.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1030 a.m., Thursday, April 5, 2012 in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Kenneth Biggs officiating.  Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.

Donations may be made to memorial of your choice.