Robert L. Gessner

Robert L. Gessner, 92, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Mercy Hospital of Defiance.   
  
He was born on February 23, 1926 to the late Clarence and Gladys (Eis) Gessner in Henry County, Ohio. On July 13, 1949 he married Dorothy M. (Flory) Gessner, who preceded him in death on June 3, 2016.  He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1944 to 1946 in the 101st Military Police Battalion 5th Army.

Robert was a member of  St. John United Church of Christ, the American Legion Post #635 in Jewell, and was a life member of Eagles #372 in Defiance.  He worked at Zeller Corporation for 11 years, and as a mechanic for Miller Brothers Construction for 31 years, retiring in 1988. Robert was the oldest living member of the Ohio Operating Engineers Local #18. His leisure time was spent fishing, golfing, and tinkering around in the garage. He cherished his time spent with his family, and he will be greatly missed by so many that loved him.
  
Robert is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Steve) Young of Lakeview, OH, and Kathy (Rick) Allomong of Defiance, sons, Rich (Tracy) Gessner of Phoenix, AZ, and Phil Gessner of Defiance, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, brother, Gary (Linda) Gessner of Napoleon, and sister, Cornie Lu Crossland of Defiance. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Gessner, daughter, 
Vicki Singer, granddaughter, Jahanna Gessner, grandson, Christopher Singer, and brother, Warren Gessner.
  
Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 24th at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Rev. Jim Brehler officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW #3360. 
  
Memorials are suggested to St. John United Church of Christ. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  

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