Jacqueline Hess

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Obituary

Jacqueline Hess, 67, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, May 28, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Jacqueline Louise Hess was born and raised in Mitchell, SD. Her parents, John and Gisele (nee Le Compte) Traut, were thrilled to welcome a baby daughter as her two older brothers, Daniel and Patrick, were 8 and 12 years her senior. 

Upon her graduation from Mitchell High School, Jackie attended Dakota Wesleyan University, and then completed a Master’s degree in Library Science in Kansas. Returning to her hometown, Jackie worked in the Mitchell Public Library, ultimately becoming head librarian. She was an active member of the South Dakota Library Association. Jackie was also actively involved in First United Methodist Church choir and the bell choir.

Jackie was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. In fact, she met the love of her life, her spouse Tom Hess, on a bus trip to a Twins game. Jackie and Tom shared 29 happy years together with their rescue cats, even as Jackie’s health became more fragile.

Jackie is survived by her spouse, Tom and the beloved kitty cats; her Hess in-laws; brother, Patrick Traut; sisters-in-law, Nancy Dickinson and Donna Traut; nieces, Jesse Traut and Elizabeth Traut; as well as many Traut and Folkerts cousins.

She was preceded in death by both parents and brother Dan

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