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Robert W. Blesch

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University of Iowa University of Notre Dame

Robert Blesch Obituary

Robert W. Blesch passed away on February 9, 2005 at the age of 45. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Bob graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 and received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1984. Following his graduation from law school, Bob served
four years of military service at Fort Ord, California where he was with the Judge Advocate General's Office. After leaving the JAG corps, Bob had a successful career in litigation in both Missouri and Arizona and was a member of the state bar associations in Missouri, Iowa and Arizona. Bob was an avid fly fisherman and golfer. He was preceded in death by his father, William F. Blesch, and leaves behind many loving friends and family including his mother, Barbara J. Blesch of Phoenix, brother David J. Blesch of San Francisco, companion Barbara Wells, and his best friend, a yellow lab named Orson. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 15th at the Franciscan Renewal Center, located at 5802 East Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob's name to either The Whirling Disease Foundation, P.O. Box 327, Bozeman, Montana 59771-0327 or The Multiple Myeloma Foundation, 3 Fourth Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 13, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Blesch

Sponsored by David Blesch.

40 Entries

David Blesch

February 10, 2025

Woke up this morning thinking about Bob and realized yesterday was 20 years since his passing. Still miss him badly.

Marc Murphy

February 9, 2021

It’s 15 years later, Bob. You’re not forgotten. Not by a long shot.

At which I was better than you. I miss you.

November 17, 2011

I put Bob's sweet, loveable Orson to rest in September at the age of 14. Orson was a guys dog when I got him but became a big momma's boy during the 6 years he lived and played with me. I will miss him hiking on the trails and fishing on the streams with me. He was such a good boy. His ashes with join Bob's at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River.

Dave Kumlien

March 13, 2006

It was a pleasure to know Bob, to count him as a friend, and to share some wonderful fishing trips with him. I have many fond memories of Bob that will be with me always. When I take my annual hike down into the Yellowstone River canyon to chase the salmon fly hatch I know that Bob will be with me.

Suzanne Clark

March 13, 2006

Robert was my God Son. Because of our Navy life we rarely saw him past his childhood. We did keep up with his remarkable life of achievement through his parents. Overviewing this guest book it is obvious that the sweet, gentle little boy our family knew never changed and acquired an army of friends.

We will all remember you dear boy; rest with God.

Diane Huey

October 21, 2005

I just learned today of Bob's death from a kind person who used to work with him at Baker-Sterchi years ago who now works with me. Turns out we both knew Bob at the same time but didn't know one another. After my profound sadness, I thought, "wouldn't Bob get a huge laugh out of the fact that we are now working together?" Bob was one of my favorite people. He possessed that rare and wonderful quality of being able to find the humor in what life served up every day. He could laugh with you, at you and most importantly, at himself!

We also shared the love of fly fishing and we would have endless talks about our experiences-although he had an annoying habit of asking far too many questions for which I often had inadequate answers! Once he learned I found that annoying, he would ask me even more than he intended—and then apologized while laughing about it. He was a "fish til you drop" kind of guy and I was not.

Bob spoke of his family in such loving terms throughout the last 15 years I knew him. He both adored and admired his mother and seemed to have established a really nice friendship with her. As a mother, that is a dream come true. David, he so enjoyed the friendship he had with you and he would so enjoy this website you have created. He would love to read all of these entries. I know I have enjoyed it today and it really has helped me cope with this news.

I will miss Bob terribly. He has undoubtedly left a piece of his heart and soul with all of us. I’ve posted a few pictures from holiday cards in the past. I’m happy to have them for reflection today.

October 21, 2005

Bill Steuernagel

June 13, 2005

I am truly saddened to hear that Bob was taken from us. Bob "Stone Hands" was one of my best friends in High School. We played football together, with Bob playing the Tight-end position. We for some reason adopted the "Stone Hands" as Bob's nick-name among the guys. It has been too long for me to remember if that was any reflection on his pass catching ability or the spirit of dedication that Bob displayed on the field. Bob and I also spent many hours in the weight room at LHS and also many hours lifting weights in the shed at the Steuernagel mountain retreat.

Bob and the gang (Joel Parker, John Lowenenstein, and I) spent many hours roaming the streets of Leavenworth after our Thursday night meetings at the football Coach's house. Bob was usually the mature voice that kept us from getting into too much trouble.

My favorite memory of Bob was the day that he and I went fishing on a Leavenworth County lake. This trip, I am sure, impressed upon Bob the need for advance planning when taking a fishing trip. Bob was, even as early as High School, a die hard fisherman. Well, we both failed to plan food as a part of our trip. As luck would have it, the fish were biting and in our excitement we soon found oursleves starving (or so we thought) as the day passed. As luck would have it we found a can of Dinty Moore Stew in my fathers pick-up camper. Without haste (since the fish were biting) we opened and attempted to eat the Dinty Moore from the can. Let's just say that since that day I have not eaten Dinty Moore and every time I see a can in the store I am reminded of the time I shared a cold greasy can with a dear friend.

I am shamed that the last time I saw Bob was when he served as Best Man in my wedding. Joyce and I truly enjoyed having Bob in the wedding and at the reception. That was the last time that I saw and spent time with my true friend, Bob "Stone Hands" Blesch. The military and miles seperated us and alas we parted ways.

The next time I go fishing I will rest in the comfort of knowing that Bob is looking down upon me. Bob, send me a big one and hold the Dinty Moore! I love you man! Cosmic Warlocks forever!

To Bob's family, my heart goes out to you. Bob was a true friend and he will always hold a special place in our memories.

Bill "Buck" and Joyce Steuernagel

marc murphy

June 13, 2005

Bob came in and out of my life at frequent but irregular times, always enriching it, and always returning. I am non-plussed to now realize that, on this earth, this will never happen again. My parents didn't give me a real brother, but Notre Dame did. We shared imagined basketball glory all winter in the gym. At leadership training at Fort Knox on our way to Army commissions we decided together to forget the law school dream and join the regular troops, until Captain Clemens talked us back to our senses. After separate law schools, we turned the Judge Adocate General's school in Charlottesville into our own personal sports camp. He always won at basketball, barely. His inside game was strong. I stood by his side at his wedding, as I had when he met his intended. His inside game there was not as strong. We kept the world safe for democracy from different posts for 4 years each, and returned to private practice, him in the sun, and me in the sticks. Like all of you, every year I waited for the Christmas Card from the fishing stream and the cheese-eating grin, and he never disappointed. Until this year. I knew something was wrong. We had just met again for golf, he had beaten me again, and I couldn't imagine any disease could take him. Time would pass in chunks and we wouldn't talk, but it's a guy thing and when we did it was as if we had just seen each other the day before at the gym.

If they have the internet in Heaven Bob will shudder when he reads these words: he was a noble, gentle, enlightening person full of grace. Never forget The Pass. Never forget The Rock. We will never forget you.

After my parents had picked me up and we were driving away from Notre Dame after graduation and Army commissioning I saw Bob on the sidewalk walking away and I made my parents pull over and said "I have to say goodbye to this guy." Now, 25 years later, he has left again and I didn't see him to say goodbye. I'm an educated Catholic and therefore have been taught just enough to doubt everything I should believe. But I believe this: I will see Bob Blesch again, as I always did. I hope I deserve to.

Rest in peace, my friend. Play Like A Champion Today.

Matthew Kelly

April 1, 2005

Though I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Bob, I did not get to know him as well as I would have liked. I met Bob about a one and one-half years ago in a case in which our respective clients were suing each other. Despite the fact that we were opponents representing clients who disliked each other tremendously, Bob was always friendly and professional--he even gave me tips on my then upcoming fly fishing trip to Lee's Ferry (little did I know that he was such an avid fly fisherman). I only knew Bob for a short time but he left an indelible mark on me. Whether he realized it or not, he helped me (a much junior lawyer) to understand what it means to be a true professional, even amid our antogonistic system of justice. Had I had more time, I am confident that Bob could have taught me a great deal more--about fly fishing and about being a great lawyer. Thanks Bob.

Nancy Besse

March 30, 2005

Bob is my cousin and really a great one, too. My first recollection of him is when he was about 7 or 8 and we were walking on a path around the lake on my parents' farm in Missouri. He started talking about something he had read in Time Magazine. I thought, "Smart kid!"

It was at that lake on Spring Lake Farm that my parents taught Bob to fly fish. I can remember Mom saying, "Bring the rod back to 2:00, and release it at 10:00."

My mom also had a privately stocked pond that only she could fish from. Bob got in big trouble when he caught a nice bass in her pond. But, we took one of the first "fish photos" of that bass. You know, Bob grinning, fish proudly held up beside him.

I used to call Bob periodically, as he would me. We could have a really good, long talk about lots of things. He was always open with me and I trusted him with many of my private thoughts, especially about relationships. It seemed he and I had similar disappointments along that line over the years, but it got better for both of us.

I was so happy that Bob had a good relationship with Barbra Wells. They made a great couple.

I'll always remember how Bob's face lit up when he smiled, his dry humor and a truly sentimental side.

He was a good and loyal brother and son, and the best cousin ever. We enjoyed his visits to Minnesota, even though he did laugh himself silly at MY yellow lab's dog brush and ball (both too small). Orson was a lucky dog, and still is getting the best of attention from Bob's mom.

I, too, thought he would beat his cancer for sure. I hope the fishing's good in Heaven. It seems too long until I see Bob again.

From:

Nancy Knudsen Besse

Joel Parker

March 24, 2005

Bob was one of my oldest friends. He was a good man. There can be no greater compliment. I hope to see him again someday. "Cosmic Warlocks forever!"

David Austgen

March 15, 2005

I have been very saddened by Bob's death. We have lost a great friend and a truely good person. During the months before Bob's passing, I had it in my mind that there was no doubt Bob would overcome his disease, no doubt at all, even after learning that he had been hospitalized a second time. I just knew he would pull out of this. I have known few that were stronger than Bob. He was both physically and mentally strong. I could not envision anything but complete recovery. Now, I feel so bad for underestimating the seriousness of Bob's disease. I so wish that I had gone to see him after the diagnosis. I am still having a hard time internalizing that he is gone.

Although I have seen Bob only a few times in the last years, we did talk more frequently by email. We had continued to share the strong bond we developed at ND. I last saw Bob during the summer of '02. I had a meeting in Arizona and we met for a game of golf and some Mexican food. He was excited about his new law practice and was hoping to get to Montana for some fishing. He spoke also of his concern for the environment. It was clear to me that he practiced what he preached.

We exchanged many emails over the years. Not long before the illness struck, we talked by email about the candidates in last year's presidential election. I remember how his views were driven by his concerns for people - especially those in the military and people not as fortunate as us. I will long remember his compassion and concern. When my mom died a few years back, Bob offered the open door, or phone, in case I needed someone to talk with. He was so kind and respectful.

We had so many good times at ND. Bob and I were roommates for three and a half years. I was fortunate indeed to have spent that time with Bob. We shared in hard work and had great fun together and with our fellow Pangborn friends. I know I am a better person as a result of my time with Bob.

I can't count the number of times we came stomping home from the bars at 2 am and stopped at the Great American Hotdog stand. The football and basketball games. The long nights. The country and western music. A few years ago, he sent me the link to one of our old favorites - Jerry Jeff Walker. Over the last couple of days, I have pulled out some of the old ND pictures that I collected. The good memories came flooding back, mixed with sadness of his loss.

I know you all had similar experiences with Bob. What a great guy. He did not have great ambitions to be famous or rich. He just wanted to help people, to do the right thing, to live justly. We are going to miss him so much.

Bob Ellis, Iowa J. D. '84

February 23, 2005

I am deeply saddened with the loss of my dear friend Bob Blesch. Bob and I met on our first day of law school at Iowa in 1981, and remained close brothers in arms for almost 24 years. It was clear from the first time we met that we had many things in common, including the love of sports, music, movies, politics and good beer. We also shared a mutual dislike of law school, which helped us both survive the ensuing three years and the bar exam.

Following law school and Bob's stint in the JAG Corps, I was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with Bob during his years in practice in Kansas City. I fondly(though somewhat hazily) recall many nights spent with Bob at Royals' games, at the Grand Emporium, and especially at the Quaff bar in K.C., where we would usually strike out with the ladies, but would nonetheless have a great time debating and solving all of the world's problems after numerous rounds of Boulevard beer.

Following Bob's move to Arizona, we did not see each other nearly as often as we would have liked; but as with all good friendships, the bond we had formed remained strong. It didn't matter if we spoke once a week, once a month, or once a year; but as soon as we began a conversation it would take off as if we had seen or spoken to each other every day. That is the kind of friend Bob was to me, and I will miss him and those conversations greatly.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his mother Barb, his brother David, and his dear companion Barbra.

Mike Fetty

February 22, 2005

Frequently when I'm in a river I find myself thinking of friends who I wish could be with me. Wade Moriarty, Gary Tracht, Bill Dorrill and now Bob Blesch. Norman MaClean had it right when he said "I am haunted by waters".
Mike Fetty
N.D. '64

Joyce Baggott

February 17, 2005

Barbara, my heart is broken with yours at the death of Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

gordie hinds

February 17, 2005

The only life lesson I learned at Boston College was to love your fellow man. Unless he was a domer. Or a lawyer.

I hadn't known Bob but for just a few years, but he became my very best friend, confidant, sports analyst, trusted sounding board and favorite fishing companion. I miss him more than words can describe and Bob would find that funny indeed.

I took the new boat out on Saturday with some of Bob's flies he tied for me. It was a bit cold, but there were a few fish around and sure enough, one of his jiggies did the trick on a good sized redfish.

There are small black RWB letters that ride on the console of the new boat (that he only saw photos of) as well as the old one (where I continue to find remnants of his fly-changing frenzies). And while he may not be fishing with a better guide, he is almost certainly fishing in better waters.

our hearts and prayers are with you always.

Sue and Mike Fetty

February 16, 2005

Dear Barbara and David,

We feel so honored to have been able to spend a short, but wonderful time with Bob in Big Sky last summer and will always remember the love he had for both of you. What a twinkle he had in his eye when he talked about the fishing trip he went on with you, Barbara! He showed the special bond that only a mother and her son can share. Our hearts go out to you both and we only hope that you gain a small bit of strength just knowing how much we share your pain.

Much love,

Sue and Mike Fetty

mark lewis

February 15, 2005

I had the pleasure of having Bob as my lawyer and got to know what a genuine caring guy he was. He used to work with my wife Susana at OConner Cavanagh and our prayers go out to his family.

Jo Cates

February 15, 2005

Bob and his dear friend Phil Orlowski were my best friends at Leavenworth High School. I was a year ahead of them, an earnest, slightly chubby girl, with an off-the-wall sense of humor, which they really appreciated. They befriended me, and we all became friends for life. What I will always remember and love about Bob was his loyalty and sweetness. He was my defender, the guy who said, "Cut it out. Leave her alone." That takes a lot of guts, especially when you are very young. But he always had the courage of his convictions, didn't he? I am grateful to have known him.

Susi Wells

February 15, 2005

My deepest sympathies to my sister, Barbara, her son, Sean, and to Bob's mother, brother and friends, on his untimely passing. My heart grieves with yours and I hope you can find strength together in your love of Bob in getting through the difficult loss of his presence.

Mark Sachse

February 15, 2005

Bob and I shared experiences which began with Pioneer football and H3 basketball. They progressed with fishing and hunting in Lowemont, Kansas on to golf and lawyers' league basketball in Kansas City. Bob's good nature and humor was constant in the nearly thirty years I knew him. A recent comment of mine on his sophistication as a fly fisherman prompted his recollection of my rather inartful use of a plastic worm at a farm pond in High School in Leavenworth. He was a great friend to those fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed.

Chuck Cordt

February 15, 2005

I am so saddened to learn about Bob's passing. Bob and I were very close friends from ninth grade at West Junior High through our days at Leavenworth High. We played sports together, hung out together and even went on a few double dates together. Our senior year of high school we weren't quite good enough to make the LHS varsity basketball team, but we both landed a job doing play-by-play during the video taping of the LHS basketball games. The games were shown on the local cable station a few days after the game. Since we weren't playing on the LHS team, we started up a team in the city parks and recreation program and never lost a game. Those were some of the most enjoyable times of my life. Bob was one of the most loyal friends a guy could have. He was quick with the "comebacks" and quick with the smile. The last time I saw him was in the summer of 1997 at our 20 year high school reunion. He was the same ole Bob which was great to see. He will be sadly missed.

Mona Cummings

February 14, 2005

I was only around Bob a few times in Panama City, however, I knew him well through conversations with his mother, Barbara, and his brother David...May they find comfort in wonderful memories...and may God help them to understand all of this...

Jean (Orlowski) Sebert

February 14, 2005

I knew Bob as a high school student, same age & friend of my son, Phil Orlowski. Bob could fit into any conversation, any kitchen table and any sleeping bag....and have a great time, laughing all the way. My son and I are both totally shocked and broken-hearted to hear of this lovely man's passing. We'll never forget that smiling face, warm & happy disposition.
Phil Orlowski, Portland, OR
[email protected]

Kathy Taylor

February 14, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Bob was a dear friend of mine when we worked at OCC together. I have had the pleasure of bumping into him on occasion over the last 5-6 years. He has always been such a great guy! He will truly be missed. Heaven has a good man looking over his friends and family as a guardian angel now. It's not fair when people pass, especially at this very young age. It makes you treasure each and every day like it's your last. Rest peacefully my friend.

Greg French

February 14, 2005

I extend my deepest condolences to Bob's family. His mother and father were among the first clients of my firm and as a result of that association I did have occasion to speak with Bob from time to time.

May God bless you and help you through this time of grief.

Sean Clancey

February 14, 2005

My relationship with Bob was primarily professional, but we always got together at least once a year for lunch and spoke from time to time on the phone. We would discuss music, sports, etc. and catch up on each other's lives, and I felt I knew Bob as a friend.

Our firm would refer clients who needed help in litigation matters to Bob, and we were always comfortable doing so and we knew our clients would be in good hands. I first came to know Bob when he was representing a client against one of ours. Several months later when we needed to refer someone to a litigator, I remembered how Bob not only was very capable, but also a reasonable person who we knew would serve our client's needs. So, a relationship that began as an adversarial one in a legal sense became a cooperative professional one as well as a personal one. I think that says a lot about Bob as both an attorney and a person.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Wallace French

February 14, 2005

I was saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Bob. Although we never met pesonally, we chatted on the phone since we served as his father and mother's CPAs. I remembered being somewhat hestitate in explaining one of his father's tax tactics and the impact it might have while working on the estate return and was amazed at his quick wit when he replied before I had completed my explanation, "that sounds just like my dad". He understood the issues so I never had to complete my expanation. His father, Bill, was one of our first clents and Barbara and the Blesch Family contine to be one of our preferred clients. It is always rewarding to be able to establish relationships which transcend the normal business and professions aspects. I consider myself blessed to have been associated with Bob. We extend heartfelt sympathy to Barbara, David and the entire Blesch family.

Dan Ryan

February 14, 2005

Bob Blesch was one of those guys I always considered a friend, even in the past few years where our interaction consisted of occasional holiday cards (he was a lot more dependable than me) and a few emails.

Bob was the best "guy's guy" I've ever known. He was great at golf, fly fishing (his holiday card was always a new picture of him happily holding a huge trout in some western stream) - probably anything he set his mind to. He loved great books, and enjoyed discussing them in the book club Robin and I started. He had great musical taste - I wish now I had gone with him to catch Richard Thompson at the Grand Emporium.

This might sound like odd praise, but the best round of golf I ever played was with Bob. We were at Blue River, back when it was a cow pasture enlivened by a few interesting holes, and Bob, as always, was beating me by at least a stroke a hole. But with Bob, it wasn't intense competition or anything like it - it was two guys out playing golf, each trying to find his "A" game. Bob was in his - I think it was one of his better rounds, too. And, in his calm, friendly presence, I found mine, too. Together, we hit long drives and drained our putts. I remember the 16th hole in particular - the hole went out into a narrow, lush valley, and the shadows from the tall trees stretched over the fairway. It was breath-taking, and we walked slowly and in silence, enjoying the moment.

I'll miss him - he was a great guy, and I am richer for having had the opportunity to know him.

(In the obituary, I noticed it suggested that donations should go to the Whirling Disease Foundation. Never having heard of this disease, I checked out the website. It turns out that Bob's family is choosing to memorialize him by helping the trout he loved to chase. That's so right.)

Curtis and Cathy Williams

February 14, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's mom, Barbara, his family and friends. We have heard Barbara talk about Bob and their joy of flyfishing. May wonderful memories sustain Barbara at this time.

Mike Skurka

February 13, 2005

Bob and I were good friends since we were freshmen at Notre Dame. Since my father-in-law retired to Arizona, I would line up a golf game with Bob on my trips to Phoenix. He always managed to sneak out of work for a few hours on the golf course. Besides being a gentleman, I will remember him for his quick with coupled with an extensive vocabulary.

paula Schultz

February 13, 2005

We have lost a very special friend, a person who was definitely true to himself. He was friends with many and loved by all. We will truly miss him.

Kevin and Stacey Gunya

February 13, 2005

We remember Bob as a great golfer and even better friend. We will miss his annual Christmas Card showing us his trout catch. Bob, you and your family are in our prayers.

Mary Ann & Bob Matney

February 13, 2005

There are no words to express our sorrow for you and David. We are not suppose to lose our sons so early. Ours are 41 and do you remember them playing together at one point in life? Love!

Ron Snow

February 13, 2005

One never knows quite what to say when there is such a loss in our lives. I wish there were some magical words that would give us some solice and explanation on God's decision; but, I do not think there is any. However, the one thing that I do know is that the memories are everlasting. Without question, memories cannot replace our loss, but they often bring a smile or a warm thought, especially with Bob.

I met Bob through fly fishing. I had the fortune of many days fishing around southwest Montana with Bob and Barbara. This one day on the Madison River, Barbara sporting her Pink Pithe Helmet (which she claimed was for protection from Bob’s casting), Bob, and I left Lyons Bridge on our float. Not long on our journey, Barbara catches a nice rainbow and I drop the anchor to net it. As I am setting the fish free, I hear a large splash coming from the back of the boat. As I turn around, the only thing I can see is the top of Bob’s Hat floating down the river. In 15 years of guiding, I have never seen someone fall backwards out of the boat. After making sure there were no injuries, except for Barbara’s stomach from uncontrollable laughter, Bob climbed back in with the appropriate comment,”…I meant to do that.” I can remember so many wonderful days and experiences on the water, but the most enjoyable had nothing to do with catching fish. It was the incessant banter and quick wit. As we all know, Bob had great talent with a fly rod and at the fly vise. However, the thing that always amazed me was the way Barbara always out fished him. Despite his competitive nature, his Mom’s prowess always brought a loving smile to his face (although he would never admit it to Barbara).

I will always consider Bob a fly fishing guide in a lawyer’s body. There is no way to fully describe his passion for fishing. I feel blessed to have been able to partake in some of his memories and honored to be his friend.

Bob, “…I know you are probably fishing right now…save a couple for me…tight lines my friend.”

Rita Savage Hirsh

February 13, 2005

My heart is with Bobs mother, Barbara, and his brother David. May God bless them all at this time.

Rita S. Hirsh

Carol Davies

February 13, 2005

Bob was a wonderful man. I enjoyed working with him at Baker Sterchi in Kansas City, MO. I know that he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. I will be wearing a "Live Strong" bracelet in memory of Bob as well as in memory of Jim Sczepanski. I also wear the bracelet to give strength to Bob's good friend, Pete Obetz.

In Loving Memory,

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