Joel Hess 1956 - 2010

Joel Alan Hess, 54, of Des Moines passed away Sunday, June 6, 2010 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Joel was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and raised in Norwalk, IA. He attended Brown University and Iowa State University. After college Joel became reacquainted with a high school classmate, Lisa Smith, to whom he was very happily married for 28 years.

He was fortunate enough to turn his hobby of woodworking into a career at August Home Publishing where he was an Associate Editor of their woodworking publications.

Joel made the most of everyday and was determined to continue on despite having lost Lisa, the love of his life, to Lou Gebrig's Disease in June 2009. Joel appreciated the beauty in nature and life's simple moments. He found much solace in riding his motorcycles, woodworking, golfing and spending time with friends and family. Joel was a member of STAR Touring and Riding Organization and Mid Iowa STAR 210. He touched many lives and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed.

Joel was preceded in death by his father Darl, father-in-law Mike Hrubes, mother-in-law Marilyn Hrubes and his wife, Lisa Hess.