Robert Gese

Gese, Robert “Bob” (Age 83) - Born to John and Demerise Gese on July 4, 1926 in Reynolds, N.D. Bob passed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father January 11, 2010, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and with family by his side. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn; his parents; two brothers; and five sisters. Bob spent his early years working on his father’s farm in North Dakota. He served in the U.S. Army in Okinawa and South Korea during and immediately after World War II. After the army he returned for a time to North Dakota, and then moved to the Spokane area. On June 24, 1950 he married Marilyn E. Groom in Malden, WA. Bob worked at Armour Meat Packing Company in Spokane for 17 years, and later was Co-owner of Rain Gutter Boys. While semi-retired he worked as a custodian for the Central Valley School District. He loved working around the school children, and the school staff. Bob was a perfectionist in his work. If a job was to be done it had to be done right. In retirement, Bob volunteered at Valley General Hospital with his wife. He moved with Marilyn to Yakima, WA in May 2008 to be with family. Bob had a quick smile and a contagious laugh, which made him many friends. He liked nothing better than trading jokes with others. It was the rare person who could top him in telling a story. A knowledgeable mechanic, he enjoyed working on his cars and those of his friends. Bob and his wife were charter members of Valley Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. A committed Christian, he was active in the church for over 40 years, serving in a number of positions. In retirement, Bob traveled with Marilyn in his beloved pickup pulling their RV throughout the Western United States and Canada. They particularly enjoyed their trips to Montana and British Columbia. Bob’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of pride for him. His love for them was easy to see. He was a man of laughter, faith, and strength. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.Bob is lovingly survived by his children, Jerry Gese (Marie) of Crowley, LA, Ann Kerkes (Don) of Issaquah, WA, Pam Guptill (Chuck) of Diamond, WA, Colleen Kollman (Melvin) of Yakima, WA; brothers, John Gese (Marilyn) of Chattaroy, WA, Barnie Gese (Bernice) of Spokane, WA, Ted Gese (Barbie) of Escondido, CA; sister, Elaine Parsons of Hatton, ND; grandchildren, Melani Tackett (Brian), Matthew Kollman (Lindy), Nathan Kollman, Steve Kerkes, Heather Schmitt (Kelly), Melissa Vanucci (Matt), Jennifer Kerkes, Darren Gese, Sian Gese; and twelve great-grandchildren. A special thank-you goes to the staff at Cedar Hills Adult Care Center, especially to his wonderful caretakers “CC” and Sue; his special friend, Dean, for always looking out for him; and the Regional Hospital Hospice Program for their kindness to him. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00pm, Friday, January 15, 2010. Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.