Blue Ox Mourns the Passing of Their President and CEO, Mr. Jay Hesse

[DriVer]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PENDER, NE -- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of beloved CEO and President of Blue Ox, Jay C. Hesse. Jay privately battled cancer and lost his life to this disease, June 22, 2014.

With Jay’s passing, the RV industry has lost a visionary and inspiring leader who was loyal to the development and growth of the RV industry, his community and his Company. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Jay, we have lost a beloved husband, father, brother, dear friend and inspiring mentor. Jay leaves behind a company that he, his father and grandfather built, and his sprit will forever be the foundation of Blue Ox.

We are planning a celebration of Jay’s extraordinary life later this week. We will forward all the details of arrangements later tomorrow.

No words can adequately express our sadness of Jays death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Thank You,

Sandy Hesse, Mike Hesse, Ellen Kietzmann

[DriVer]

Immediate Release ....

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of beloved CEO and President of Blue Ox, Jay C. Hesse. Jay privately battled cancer and lost his life to this disease, June 22, 2014.

With Jay’s passing, the RV industry has lost a visionary and inspiring leader who was loyal to the development and growth of the RV industry, his community and his Company. His leadership in the RV industry and community is well recognized. He is solely responsible for guiding Blue Ox into the RV industry after a down turn in the Agricultural sector. Jay was also responsible for finding many of the market niche needs that make up Blue Ox’s line of products. Jay was an active member of the RV industry for the past thirty years. He served as President of RVAA (formerly known as WDA) in 1996/97. Prior to that he served in several officer and director capacities for the aftermarket association. Jay has been actively involved in the Go-RVing Coalition and as well served on the various committees for RVIA and RVDA Jay received the distinct honor of receiving the Jim Barker Person of the Year from RVAA. Jay resided on the Board of Directors for the RVMH Hall of Fame and served on the Technical Advisory Board for RVIA. His strong commitment to the growth of the industry is demonstrated in the associations he has served. One of his personal goals was to help the industry, as a whole, work more closely toward achieving our common goals.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Jay, we have lost a beloved husband, father, brother, dear friend and inspiring mentor. Jay leaves behind a company that he, his father and grandfather built, and his sprit will forever be the foundation of Blue Ox.

Jay is survived by his wife Sandy Hesse, his son Mike and his daughter Sonja and five grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sara.

A celebration of Jay’s extraordinary life will take place on this week. The Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, June 25th at 7:00 PM at the Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104 and a Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 26th at the Heese Event Center located at Pender Public School, 609 Whitney St., Pender, NE 68047 at 11:00 o’clock. Memorials in Jay’s honor can be sent to Pender State Bank attention Jay Hesse Memorial Fund 222 Main St., Pender, NE 68047. Considering Jay’s strong belief in education, the family’s intentions are to use these funds towards a scholarship and toward future development of his beloved RV Park.

Please send all flowers to Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Any cards can be sent to Blue Ox, PO Box 430, Pender, NE 68047.

We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.