Today the family of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S, members of Bob Hesse house and the school Holy Cross Community joins the Congregation of Holy Cross to pray for Fr. Bob Hesse on his death anniversary.
3rd Feb 2007 was a day of sadness when our beloved founder went to the Lord after serving his people gracefully. This school is a living testimony of his legacy said Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, CSC the head teacher. The New Vision, February 6, 2007, reported Jinja priest laid to rest…Rev. Fr. Robert Hesse of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Bugembe, who died on Saturday, was laid to rest on Monday. He passed away at Kampala international Hospital. Born in Michigan, USA in 1926, he joined the Holy Cross community in 1951. Fr. Hesse was commonly known as Omulangadhu (the graceful one) among the locals. He came to Uganda in 1958 and served in Hoima and Fort Portal, moving to Bugembe in 1990. He founded Lake View secondary School in the same year. “He was a father to all. we shall miss him,” said Fr. Richard Kayaga.
Early Life and Family Background
Robert T. Hesse was born on December 15, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making him the youngest of six children in the family of Joseph and Louise Drueke Hesse. At the time of his birth, the United States was composed of 48 states, and Calvin Coolidge was serving as the President. Robert’s paternal lineage traces back to Edward and Emma Braun Hesse, who immigrated from Germany in the late 19th century. His mother, Louise, was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Berles Drueke, who also had German roots.
Education and Early Career
The Hesse family was active in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, established in 1924, where they resided at various addresses, including 315 Woodmere Avenue and 56 Benjamin Avenue. Robert attended St. Thomas the Apostle Grade School and later graduated from Catholic Central High School. He pursued further education at Grand Rapids Junior College and joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Robert earned an engineering degree from the University of Michigan and later completed postgraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Religious Journey
In November 1951, Robert joined the Congregation of Holy Cross, officially taking his first vows in 1952 and final vows in 1955. He trained for missionary work at the Holy Cross Foreign Mission Seminary with an initial assignment to Bengal (now Bangladesh), but his path shifted to Uganda. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1958, at Sacred Heart Church on the Notre Dame campus by Bishop Leo A. Pursley.
Missionary Work in Uganda
Father Hesse’s mission began in Uganda in 1958, where he first served at Hoima Parish until 1961, overseeing schools in the Bunyoro region. He later became secretary to Bishop Vincent McCauley in Fort Portal and subsequently the pastor of Bukwali Parish. In 1963, he was assigned to Kitagwenda, where he dedicated 23 years to nurturing the parish and promoting education among the community.
In 1990, Father Hesse accepted the role of founding pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Bugembe, where he continued to serve until his retirement as pastor, remaining active as a supportive assistant to his successors. His commitment to education significantly impacted the local schools, as he believed in its vital role for Uganda’s development.
Legacy and Passing
Father Hesse passed away on February 3, 2007, at Kampala International Hospital and was buried in front of the Holy Cross Church in Bugembe, a testament to his contributions to the community. A memorial Mass was held in his honor on February 17 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Grand Rapids. He is remembered fondly by his family and the many lives he touched during his nearly 50 years of dedicated service in Uganda.
Father Robert T. Hesse, CSC, was survived by his brother John and niece Mary, along with a multitude of friends and parishioners who admired his missionary spirit. His life and work continue to inspire many in both Uganda and the United States.
Holy Cross legacy of an education of heart and mind is well witnessed at Holy Cross a school he sowed as a seed of hope where service that was dear to his heart still guides the way we educate hearts at Holy Cross Lake View.
Learn More about Rev. Fr. Bob Hesse
Lavisco News desk
3rd Feb 2025