Brother F. Joseph Hess, C.M., 87, of St. Louis died Jan. 12, 2026, in Perryville after a short illness. Brother Hess was a Roman Catholic brother and a member of the Congregation of the Mission, a Vincentian community. He attended St. Vincent’s College High School in Cape Girardeau, continued with the community and took his vows in 1959. He had a background in finance and spent more than 40 years serving as treasurer at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Lemont, Ill., St. Vincent College in Cape Girardeau, St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, before becoming treasurer for the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission in Denver. Brother Hess was an avid reader and traveled the world. He spent 19 happy years in Denver. In retirement, he was a volunteer at Rose Medical Center, Project Angel Heart, Meals on Wheels and St. Vincent De Paul Society. He also was submitted for national recognition by the Volunteers of America Colorado Branch. He lived his later years as a senior confrere at Lazarist House in St. Louis. Born in 1938 in Crystal City, he was the son of Marguerite Huber Hess and Francis Joseph “Joe” Hess Jr.
He is survived by three siblings: James (Linda) Hess of Independence, Leonard (Megan) Hess of Fayette and Mary (Mike) Schroeder of Yorkville, Ill; and his nephews and nieces: Sean, Brian and Chris Hess, Rob, Curtis and Sarah Hess and Carly Schroeder Montanari and Emily Schroeder; and many other family members and friends.
A memorial Mass and celebration of his life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Road, in Sappington, officiated by Father Jim Cormack, C.M., and Brother Hess’ confreres. Memorials may be made to the Congregation of the Mission.