Albert E. Hesker, M.D. (1939-2026):

Albert E. Hesker, M.D. passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. Dr. Hesker was born in St. Louis, MO on July 26, 1939, son of the late Erwin J. and Mildred (Schlieper) Hesker. He was the beloved Husband of Joan (Flagg) Hesker for 64 years; dear Father of Mark (Debby) Hesker, Todd Hesker and Kimberle (John) Kovac; loving Grandfather of Ryan (Kylie) Hesker, Brendan (Lauren) Hesker, Grant Hesker, Austin Kovac and Kaelynne Kovac; dear Brother-In-Law, Uncle, Cousin and Friend to many. Dr. Hesker was raised in St. Louis, graduated from Riverview Gardens High School (1957) and received his AB and MD degrees at The University of Missouri (1964) where he gained membership to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Hesker completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and then was selected to serve in the Cancer Division of the United States Public Health Department (1966) in the state of California. He then returned to St. Louis to complete his residency in Radiology at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology – Washington University (1968).In the 1970s, Dr. Hesker returned to California and practiced at Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, before once again, returning to St. Louis to practice in the Department of Radiology at St. Luke's Hospital for multiple decades with a focus on Breast Oncology as years progressed before retiring in 2007.

Dr. Hesker is the recipient of the Physician's Recognition Award from the American Medical Association. His Professional Affiliations include the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society, Missouri State Medical Association, Greater St. Louis Society of Radiologists, Radiological Society of North America and Missouri Radiological Society, where he served on the board of directors.

More than anything, Dr. Hesker was devoted to his family and friends. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with his children and grandchildren, while sharing in their endeavors and accomplishments over the years and traveling throughout the US and abroad with both family and friends on occasion. Dr. Hesker had a wide variety of interests and passions. An avid book reader, theater supporter and sports fan, Dr. Hesker could regularly be found cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, a couple of wayward NFL franchises, Mizzou and his adopted Arizona Wildcats in addition to being a long time supporter of The MUNY Theater - St. Louis as well as other various philanthropic concerns. Known for a healthy sense of humor, Dr. Hesker always provided smiles and laughter for those he encountered.

Funeral Services will be held on May 7, 2026 at Ladue Chapel at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to   Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church  ,  St. Luke's Hospital  ,  National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc  .  or a charity of your choice.

 Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home 
 www.osfuneralhomes.com