Obituary for Robert L. Gesell

ROBERT L. GESELL

Robert L. Gesell, age 93, of Brookville, died Friday, June 4, 2021, at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville. 

Born July 8, 1927, in Brookville, he was one of nine children born to the late Luther and Mae Frances (Blackburn) Gesell. He was a United States Army Veteran. On October 7, 1950, he was united in marriage to the former Rita M. Wilhelm, and they enjoyed more than 67 years together before she preceded him in death on February 13, 2018. 

Bob was retired, having worked for many years at Ron’s Glass & Body, and later Jansing’s Auto Body in Brookville, in addition to farming in Dearborn County for much of his life.  After retiring, he enjoyed hobbies of woodworking, fishing, and beekeeping.  He always welcomed a good game of cards and could often be found sitting on his front porch.

He was a member of All Saints Parish – St. Joseph Campus in St. Leon; the St. Joseph Post #464 of the American Legion St. Leon, as well as a former member of the St. Leon Town Board.

Survivors include two daughters, Cathy (Charlie) Huth of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ruth Burkhard of St. Leon; a granddaughter, Maggie Burkhard; step-grandchildren, Dan, Randy, Andy and John Huth and many great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and wife Rita, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mark Burkhard; four sisters, Lorene Feller, Virginia Tebbe, Joann Lake and Sylvia Lunsford; four brothers, Floyd Gesell, Merlin Gesell, Donald Gesell, and Orville Gesell   

Family and friends may visit from 9 till 11 a.m., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at All Saints Parish St. Joseph Campus, 7536 Church Lane, St Leon, Indiana.

Rev. Jonathan Meyer will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial with full military graveside honors by the St. Joseph Post #464 of the American Legion will then follow in the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Leon Fire Department or St. Joseph Catholic Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to once again serve the Gesell family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .