Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Big Horn and Park Counties on Wednesday, September 20 in honor and memory of Charles Hessenthaler.
Hessenthaler represented District 26 in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1997 to 2002.
According to his obituary, Hessenthaler was a dedicated and hardworking farmer, a loving family man, and a devout follower of his faith.
He was born on September 6, 1947 in Powell, Wyoming. Hessenthaler’s legacy in the Big Horn Basin goes beyond politics, as he was an outstanding high school athlete who led the Byron Eagles to three consecutive football state championships as quarterback his sophomore, junior and senior year. He also held the state track record in hurdling for many decades.
Hessenthaler also served as Byron’s Ward Bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
His greatest accomplishment though was being a devoted family man. Hessenthaler was married to his wife Amy for 55 years and together they had six children; Heather, Cherelle, Brandon, Natalie, David, and Carson.
Charles Hessenthaler with his wife, Amy and their family. (Photo Courtesy of Jen Hessenthaler)
In his obituary, it states that Hessenthaler “cherished his role as a father and took pride in the achievements of his kids and 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.”
In 1972, the Hessenthalers purchased the Snell Farm, and over the course of 5 decades grew it to be thousands of acres. He passed on his love and knowledge of farming to his three sons who are carrying on the family’s agriculture legacy for the next generation.
“Charles Abraham Hessenthaler was a man of unwavering strength, resilience, and unmatched work ethic,” reads his obituary. “His impact extended far beyond the borders of his family, reaching into the tight-knit community of the Big Horn Basin.”
“His loss is deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.”
Hessenthaler passed away in June of this year at the age of 75.
