Robert Lee Geshay

Robert Lee Geshay went to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born to the late John and Anna (nee: Klebecka) Geshay on April 11, 1927. Bob was preceded to Heaven by his first wife Petronella (Pat, nee: Bergsma) Geshay, son Robert Lee Geshay Jr, daughter JoAnn Geshay DeStigter, and brother Richard Geshay.

Children surviving Bob and Pat are: Richard (Carolyn) Geshay of Houston, TX: Kathryn Geshay of LaJolla, CA; David (Helene) Geshay of Oceanside, CA; John (Teresa) Geshay of Jacksonville, FL; Robin (Paul) Van Portfliet of Grand Rapids, MI; and Thomas (Meg) Geshay of Shorewood, WI. Bob has fourteen grandchildren: Jody DeStigter, Tad (Kathy) DeStigter, and Janelle DeStigter; Laura (Jeff) Sundberg, Dr. Melissa (Dr. Joe) Fitzwater and Danielle Geshay; Robert E. Geshay; John Robert II and Rachel Geshay; Katelyn, Kimberlee and Jay Van Portfliet; Nicholas and Madeline Geshay. Bob also had one great-grandchild, Alex DeStigter.

Bob is survived by his present wife, Joan, of 29 years, as well as his step-children, Marshall Gergen and his daughter Lindsey, and Carolyn Gergen Hansen and her daughters Lauren, Brooke, and Raquel Hansen.

Bob’s surviving siblings are: James (Katie) Geshay of Naples, FL; John (Gladys) Geshay of Racine, WI; Rev. Thomas (Julianna) Geshay of Santa Barbara, CA; and Nancy (Tom) Anspaugh of Rockford, IL.

Bob attended school at Northern Michigan College, majoring in Engineering. He also attended The University of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Bob received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force after World War II.

Bob was employed at SC Johnson and Son for forty years, ending his career as a Manufacturing Manager. He was active in the Christian Reformed Church serving as an elder and a deacon, and he also served as school board president of the Racine Christian School for over ten years. Bob was also the president for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church before retiring to North Carolina in 1984.
Bob was a devoted father and a very positive influence in his children’s lives. He was an inspiration to them and could be counted upon for wise counsel at any time. Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing on the many beautiful golf courses in the South. His hobby was designing and building homes in the South.

Bob and Joan resided in North Carolina and Tennessee for twenty-two years before returning to Racine in 2006. They are members of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Racine. Bob’s favorite hymns are: “When We All Get To Heaven,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “When the Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll be There,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. David Zablotney and staff for the kind and compassionate care given to Bob as well as the staff at Wheaton Franciscan Cardiovascular and Hospice Care Centers.

Visitation will be begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009, at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 11th and Main St. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the church at noon on Monday with the Rev. Dr. Craighton Kaye and Rev. John Fleming officiating. A private burial for the family will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Racine Christian School, 912 Virginia St., Racine, WI 53405, or Evangelical United Methodist Church, 212 11th St., Racine, WI 53403.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479