Robert Armstrong Gensicke

Robert Armstrong Gensicke passed away on March 6, 2015 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the age of 97. Bob was born on May 20, 1917 at Sunny Dale Farm in Cedar Rapids to Lillian and Henry Gensicke, the first of five children. He graduated from Grant High School in 1933. After graduating from herdsmen courses at Iowa State, Bob started Sunny Dale Dairy in 1938, with a prize herd of Guernsey cows. He married his dear wife Jesselyn Gumprecht in 1947 and their family grew to one son and two daughters. After fire destroyed the dairy house in 1955, Bob became a successful realtor specializing in farm sales. Bob and Jess later moved to Colorado Springs where they owned BJ’s Velvet Freez, a popular soft serve ice cream store. They retired to Sedona, Arizona in 1986.

Throughout his life, Bob was an out-going man who loved getting to know people. He and Jesselyn enjoyed taking car trips where Bob would routinely opt for the road less travelled to see who and what was around the next bend. Bob missed Jesselyn dearly when she passed away in 2006.

Survivors include Bob’s sister Edith Miller of Astoria, Oregon; three children: Steven Gensicke and wife Mary Ann of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Holly Louvar and husband Al of Temecula, California, and Robyn Uptegraff and husband Mike of Irvine, California. In addition, “Papa” is survived by four loving grandchildren: Ryan Louvar and wife Kara, Nicholas Louvar, Anne Ohrt and husband Shane, and Christopher Gensicke; and three great-grandchildren: Grayton Louvar, Elise Louvar, and Rigley Ohrt.

A memorial service will be held in in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Point Health of Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 855 A Ave. NE, Suite 105, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.