Ralph John Hess

Ralph John Hess, age 85, of Scottsdale, AZ died at home with his family by his side on June 3, 2024. Ralph was born on November 2, 1938, to parents Walter and Esther Hess in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ralph graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a degree in Business and Economics and married his college sweetheart, Maureen Ryan, in 1961. 

Ralph’s first employment was with the painting company, Brant & Nielsen, with whom he eventually became a business partner and owner with Jim Sweitzer. The company later became Hess Sweitzer Painting. During their administration, Hess Sweitzer grew to be one of the top industrial painting companies in our nation. Special thanks to Jim Sweitzer, Tom Sweitzer, Jill Sweitzer, Mike Mendola, all the painters, suppliers, competitors, and customers that made Hess Sweitzer a success. After 40 years in the painting business, Ralph & Maureen retired to Scottsdale, AZ. 

Ralph and Maureen enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and skiing, where they made many of their lifelong friends. Ralph also enjoyed poker, fishing, and hunting. He was a joke teller that often was disguised as a story. He brought laughter and entertainment to many. Ralph had a presence about him and his ability to command the attention of a room was masterful. Ralph was a unique man. He was very creative, he was a gifted problem solver, and he could devise a solution for anything. 

Ralph was an only child. He lost his biological mother at the age of 5. He went on to build an impressive business. He made a difference in his communities. He stood by his one love for 68 years. He raised a remarkable family. He loved his friends and work, but family was the most important thing to him. He was involved in every aspect of his loved one’s lives. Ralph was a true American success story, and he is our hero! 

Ralph is survived by his wife Maureen (Ryan), his son John Hess (Margaret) of Scottsdale, his son Jim Hess (Jennifer) of Nashville, and his daughter Kristin Hess of Scottsdale. Grandchildren include John & Margaret’s children Jacob Hess and Catherine Hess, and Jim & Jennifer’s children Jordan Hess, Jameson Hess (deceased), and Jensen Hess. 

There will be a private, family-only, funeral service on August 10, 2024, in Carefree, Arizona. Ralph expressed these wishes, “My daughter, Kristin, battles lymphoma. She is currently in remission. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation (lymphoma.org). Or please consider an extra donation to the collection box during your next visit to church. It is church and family that holds our nation together.”