Robert Robert Reisner Sr.

He was born Jan. 8, 1925, the son of Alfred and Amanda (Redel) Reisner in Chicago. The lessons of being raised during the Great Depression and the influence of that time helped to shape who he was and deepened his appreciation for simple things in life and his family.

He was an athlete in his youth, both in football and baseball, participating in tryouts for the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team.

Robert was an Army veteran, serving in the European theater in World War II. After returning home, he pursued his early interest in music and graduated from Chicago School of Music with a fine arts degree in of music. He was an aspiring professional opera tenor and was well regarded by his peers. Along the way, he worked as a chef at various restaurants, including the Boston Somerset while attending music education there, and Lakewood Theater.

A love for the country lifestyle somehow brought him to Cornville in 1960, where he raised his family, before moving to Skowhegan.

In Maine he was employed as a music teacher in public school systems, working in Madison, Carrabec, Bingham and Rangeley schools. For nearly 40 years he either participated in or directed the Federated Church Choir and the Skowhegan Community Band and Chorus, and he helped organize many concerts and parades.

Robert became a dairy farmer in 1968, and ran his farm with his sons while he taught music until 1985. It was during this time he also became a member of the National Farmers Organization, serving in many capacities, including director of the Rochester, N.H., marketing office. He counted his advocacy of family farms and his farm life as equally important to his musical career. He had a strong voice for the underdog. The many farmers and friends he met in this endeavor remained lifelong.

Despite many physical limitations, Bob continued to carry out his love of music until his final days. His charismatic spirit will be missed by many.

He is survived by his three children, Jenny Diehl and companion Bo of Marietta, Ga., Robert Reisner Jr. and wife Denise of Skowhegan, Mark Reisner of Marietta; four stepchildren, Edward Preble and wife Pam of Roswell, N.M., Sheila Alioto and husband Bruce of Missouri, James Preble and wife Sally of Cornville, Gigi Hyndan and husband David of Thomaston; four adopted children, William Houghton and wife Joann of Skowhegan, Bradley Houghton and wife Lisa of Canaan, Albert Houghton and wife Rachel of Skowhegan, Eric Houghton and partner Michael of Poland; one brother, Don Reisner and wife Virginia of Elmhurst, Ill.; one sister, June Carlson of Chicago; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Avenue, Skowhegan, with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. Burial will be in East Ridge Cemetery in Cornville.

Bob's love and compassion for animals was great, and he provided a warm and loving home for countless dogs, cats and barnyard animals. Donations may be made in his name to the Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.