Martin Hesch, 85, of Pickerington, Ohio passed away June 29, 2021. He is preceded in death by parents Martin and Maria (Hendel) Hesch, brother John Hesch; in-laws Emil and Elizabeth (Diez) Barth. Martin is survived by his beloved wife Dorothea (Barth); children Christine (Todd) Oehlman, Steven (Johnna) Hesch; grandchildren, Dr. Kathryn and Dr. Caroline (Dr. Justin Fotiuk) Oehlman and Andrew (Andrea Bacho) and Justin Hesch. Many brother-and-sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins in Central Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, Kitchner, Canada and throughout Germany. Martin was born in 1936 in Transylvania, Romania. The family fled to Austria during Martin's youth and immigrated to the United States in 1955. Upon arriving in the U.S., he met Dorothea through his Onkel Martin Scholtes. He knew of a German girl working as an au pair for a Bexley family living close by. Upon meeting her, she wanted to know if he was Lutheran. He said yes and the rest is history. He loved his grandchildren dearly. When they stayed with Oma and Opa (while he was still working), Opa said he was lucky he could go to work while Oma stayed home with the children. However, once he retired, it was him who picked up Kathryn and Caroline from elementary school. He was so excited to see them every day as they were glad he was there to pick them up and spend time at their house. As they got older, they remember the Sachsen Club events. Going to dances, spaghetti dinners at the Maennerchor, Heimattag in Youngstown and Christmas dinners to see Santa at the club; on New Year's Day asking (in German) if Opa had a dollar in his pocket for me; Panera breakfasts, "fancy" Wendy's lunches and stories Opa told of when we were very little. He loved teaching Andrew and Justin woodworking and working on their cars. A new mailbox and front porch bench came out of what Justin learned. One favorite memory is Opa's laugh, the billowing laugh that ended with "zjipes". They enjoyed all the jokes he would tell, just waiting for the those listening to get the punchline! Helping Opa with the yardwork as he took care of Oma was also a joy. Something from the early days of being Opa and Oma was how he would sit one grandchild on his knees and sing Hoppa Reitter,… Until they laughed and hopped off his knees! Another thing passed down in the Hesch family was their love of playing Rook! From generation to generation, the love of playing cards was passed down with many great memories. One thing is that Dad/Opa always bet highest and always enjoyed winning. He worked for Columbus Showcase Co and McNally Cabinets as a master cabinet maker. After his brother, John, opened Main Street Auto Service, Martin joined his brother until Martin retired. He was a very handy man, always willing to fix, repair, install something for anyone who needed assistance. Martin was an active member of the Alliance of Transylvania Saxons, Branch 10. He had several roles throughout his lifetime with the organization. From cooking meals for the weekly dinners, to attending Saturday night dances with Dorothea, to singing in the Sachsenchor (at the S. Front Street location), to his final role of being the President of the organization. He was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington. He was part of the "Friday Fellas", a group of very handy and multi-talented Seniors would come and tend to the needs of the church building. From fixing chairs, to creating a larger altar area for worship and more. Visitation will be Monday, July 5th, from 6-9 p.m. at O.R. Woodyard Funeral Home, 1346 S. High Street, Columbus. Additional visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Road N., Pickerington. Interment will follow at Violet Cemetery, Pickerington. A lite luncheon back at church will follow for sharing memories and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Martin's name to Epiphany Lutheran Church or Ronald McDonald Charities. Cemetery Details Violet Cemetery 180 E. Columbus St Pickerington, OH 43147 Loading map Previous Events Visitation JUL 5. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - South Chapel 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207 Loading map Visitation JUL 6. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) Epiphany Lutheran Church 268 Hill Rd. North Pickerington, OH 43147 Loading map Funeral Service JUL 6. 11:00 AM (ET) Epiphany Lutheran Church 268 Hill Rd. North Pickerington, OH 43147 Loading map