Orville E. Hesselbacher of Galena and formally of Scales Mound, IL died Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the age of 100. In keeping with his wishes, no public services will be held. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He was born June 5, 1922, in Scales Mound the son of Ernest and Amanda (Muehleip) Hesselbacher. Orville attended county school and graduated from Scales Mound High School with the class of 1940. He worked on his father’s farm until he enlisted in the army in 1943 training in Camp Wheeler, GA with the infantry. Orville was then shipped out to England and crossed the channel to France a few days later. He was assigned to the 70th infantry and served 120 days on the front lines with them. The war ended and he was sent to La Harve, France to go to the Pacific but the war ended there before being shipped out. He returned to Germany where the 382nd Military Battalion was formed. While on duty, he met Lisa Wentidyke making her way back to her home country, Hague Holland. She was a prisoner of war for four years in Germany. They were married on June 16, 1946, in Bremen, Germany and she preceded him in death in 2005. Orville was discharged in early 1947. He joined his father on his farm for several years. He had several part-time jobs, working in the lead mines, and helping to build the Elizabeth ski jump, Fisher’s plumbing, and Chestnut Mountain Resort. He then moved to Galena in early 1980 where they bought Krane’s Jewelry store. He worked 26 years for Hal Martin at Lin-Mar gardens. Orville traveled in all 48 states, two-thirds of Canada, England, Ireland-Wales, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, Northern Africa, and several countries in Europe. In later years ran his own investment business. He was a lifetime member of the Galena VFW and was a member of the Galena Elks for 68 years. Orville loved to travel and play cards. He is survived by a son, Richard (Karen) of Marshfield, MO, three daughters, Sheila (Mike) Molitor of Bolivar, MO, Deanna (Ken) Morhardt of Lake of Hills, IL, Stacy (Dennis) Stauffer of Frackville, PA, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one sister, Eileen Walton, of Potosi, WI, and longtime friends, William (Suzanne) Hilgendorf. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Evelyn Schwartz.
