Lori Lynn Hess, 61, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at her home in Columbus, surrounded by family.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 28 at 10:30 AM, at St. John's Lutheran Church (12.5 miles north of Columbus) with Rev. Brad Birtell officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Friday at 10:15 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be given to St. John's Lutheran School.

Lori was born August 21, 1959, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Elden and Lois (Plageman) Kapels. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Columbus. Lori attended St. John's Lutheran School and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1977. She graduated from Univ. of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in education and later graduated from Univ. of Nebraska - Kearney with a master's degree.

Lori found her love and true calling as a teacher, and especially loved teaching 3rd grade. She taught 33 years in the Columbus Public School system retiring in 2014. Lori then worked as a para at Immanuel Lutheran School of Columbus for 5 years. Lori was united in marriage to Jeff Hess on Oct. 30, 1993, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus and was blessed with one child.

Lori was active in the church, she served on numerous boards and participated in several bible study groups. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Lori had several hobbies, which included sewing, dancing, playing softball, and loved photography where she entered several pictures at the fair. Some of her proudest moments was watching Shane golf.

Lori is survived by husband, Jeff Hess of Columbus; son, Shane Hess of Columbus; mother, Lois Kapels of Columbus; brother, Brian (Paula) Kapels of Creston; brother, Doug (Sheri) Kapels of Creston; Sister, Julie Garrison of Norfolk; sister-in-law, Teresa (Kelley) Kennedy of Scottsdale, AZ; sister-in-law, Linda Coulter of Le Mars, IA; brother-in-law, Scott Hess of Avoca, IA; and several nephews and nieces.

Lori was preceded in death by father, Elden Kapels; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Mathiasen; father-in-law, Verdell Hess; brother-in-law, Brad Coulter.

Service Folder Information
God gives us each a gift of life
To cherish from our birth.
He gives us friends and those we love
To share our days on Earth.

He watches us with loving care
And takes us by the hand,
He blesses us with countless joys
And guides the lives we've planned.

Then, when our work on Earth is done,
He calls us to His side,
To live with Him in happiness
Where peace and love abide.






In Loving Memory Of

Lori Lynn Hess

Born
Friday, August 21, 1959
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Friday, May 28, 2021 10:30 AM
St. John's Lutheran Church, 12.5 miles north
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Brad Birtell

Music
Ann Cattau – Organist & Soloist
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone"
Congregational Hymns
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"In The Garden" "Abide With Me"

Casket Bearers
Lauren Clausen
Blair Kapels
Jessica Kapels
Whitney Wall
Kyle Kapels
Lance Kapels
Austin Kapels
Lane Garrison

Honorary Casket Bearers
Larissa Kommes
Chantel Stuart
Tiarra Osentowski
Brady Hess

Interment
St. John's Lutheran Cemetery
Rural Columbus, Nebraska