Robert (Bob) Lloyd Gessner passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, while vacationing in Destin, Florida. Bob died suddenly after suffering a cardiac event.
Bob was born on June 25, 1955, in Wabasha, MN to Lloyd and Eleanor (Klees) Gessner. He was raised on the family farm in Theilman, and graduated Plainview High School in 1973. He continued to work on the farm until 1981 when they moved to Plainview. He then worked in outside sales at various locations until his retirement.
In 1976 Bob met Nancy Olson of Millville. They were married in 1977 at St. Joachim church in Plainview. In 1989, they moved to Hastings, MN, where they raised their two sons. They enjoyed a happy and loving marriage for 46 years.
Bob and Nancy have two sons, Nick, and Chad. Nick and his wife Jess have two children, Lilah, and Leo. Chad and his wife Erin have a daughter, Harper. Bob was a fantastic father and grandfather. He spent many seasons coaching his son’s youth basketball and baseball teams. Bob treasured his time spent with his grandchildren. He rarely missed a sporting event, concert, or any other activity they were involved in. Every fall Bob and Nancy took their grandchildren on a mystery trip. They looked forward to it every year and the kids never knew where they were going until they got there.
Bob was involved in many things that he truly enjoyed. He happily planted gardens every spring and cared for many beautiful plants all summer long. He loved nature and being out in it. Bob was a lifelong Minnesota sports fan and lived through their ups and downs every season. Christmas was always Bob’s favorite holiday for many reasons. From putting up lights to Christmas Eve with his family to Christmas day with friends – he loved it all. Together, Bob and Nancy loved many past times. Traveling, visiting presidential libraries, road trips, playing cards and trying nachos everywhere they went, were some of the things they both looked forward to. Last but certainly not least was how much they loved their time at the cabin in Luck, Wisconsin. There were plenty of projects to do, but his absolute favorite was mowing the lawn. Bob always said it was a “two beer” job.
Bob is survived by his wife Nancy, his son Nick, daughter-in-law Jess, his son Chad, daughter-in-law Erin and grandchildren Lilah, Leo, and Harper Gessner all of Hastings. He is also survived by his four siblings, Mary Jane (Dave) Mullenbach, Marge (Stan) Johnson, Carol Kronebusch, and Steve (Sue) Gessner. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and lots of cousins on both sides of his family. Bob always thought he could name all his cousins, but realistically he could not. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry, sister Kathleen, and her husband Reg Lammers. Bob was a very loving, kind, and gentle person. He was quick to help both family, friends, and to consider their needs before his.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday March 16, 2024, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN.
In lieu of flowers Bob’s family suggests donations to Hastings Girls Fast Pitch Softball, Hastings Wrestling, or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic school. These were chosen in honor of each of his grandchildren.
Blessed be Bob’s memory.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
