Robert "Bob" Blessing

Robert “Bob” Douglas Blessing, 82 of South Sioux City passed away Friday, September 12, 2025 at his home. A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 19, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time at the church.

Bob was born the son of Robert and Mary (DeGraff) Blessing on January 7, 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1961. Bob married the love of his life, Patricia Allen in 1963. Together they raised three daughters and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Patty was able to honor Bob’s final wish by caring for him and allowing him to pass away at their home.

Bob started his working career for his dad at Bob’s Bar in South Sioux City and then was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad in 1969. He then continued with Burlington Northern Railroad until he retired. His next adventure was going back to school at Western Iowa Tech where he graduated with a 4.0 GPA in 1993. He then went to work as a buyer at Gateway Computers then he retired again.

Bob was known by many as “Wilbur Wildlife”. A sportsman extraordinaire, he enjoyed all hunting and fishing: dove, pheasant, geese, ducks, deer, rabbits, squirrels, turkey then onto fishing bass, northern, and crappie. He really enjoyed teaching Hunter Safety classes where he got to pass on the joy of hunting to others. He loved his pets, and he had many over the years, notably Sabra, Greta, Heidi, Mollie, Megan, Hannah, Taffy, and Sophie. He also had several birds; his final one being Barney. He was first introduced to Nest Lake, Minnesota as a baby by his parents. This resort remained a constant yearly vacation and fishing trip, with his final cast in 2018 with all the family present, celebrating 75 years at their special place.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice, Mercy Homecare, and Dr. Block and Luke, PA for their kindness and wonderful care of Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife, Patty Blessing of South Sioux City; daughters, Staci (Chuck) Thompson and Stefani Blessing; grandchildren, Kelsi of Denver, CO, Sean of Garden City, KS, Josi of Sioux City, IA, and Lucy of Sioux City, IA; 4 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren; and sister, Virginia Hogrefe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jill; and siblings, Richard and Elaine.