Robert J. Gesinger

Robert Gesinger, 89, of rural Ridgeview, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Father John Paul Trask presiding. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Gettysburg. A wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.
Robert James Gesinger was born in Dewey County, SD, on April 21, 1934, to John and Rose (Fleck) Gesinger. He was welcomed by two sisters: Florence and Delores and was later joined by Kenny and Lucille "Louann".
Robert spent his early years on the farm and ranch attending grade school in Ridgeview, which was five miles away. He started high school in Eagle Butte where he stayed in the dorms during the week. After a few weeks of being away from home, he decided enough was enough and jumped on the train in Eagle Butte that ran from Mobridge to LaPlant, Ridgeview, Eagle Butte, Faith and back again. He hopped off in Ridgeview and walked the five miles home. Once he got home, his dad was feeding cows and asked him what happened. Robert replied, "I quit", so his dad said "OK", handed him a pitchfork and told him to finish feeding the cows and then come to the house and he'd have more chores for him. That started his successful farming and ranching career.
In 1953, Robert met his future bride, Janet Kearns from rural Gettysburg. They were married at the Catholic Church at Old Cheyenne Agency on July 11, 1954. They welcomed six future workers: Roslyn "Kitty", Roberta "Birdy", Blaine, Kenny, Janelle, and Peggy.
In 1955, Robert and Janet moved to Moab, UT, where Robert worked as a driller. They relocated to Rawlins, WY in 1956. Robert would work 50 miles from home at camp during the week and come home on weekends. In June 1956, his father had a heart attack and the family returned to Ridgeview to help with the family farm and ranch. Here they welcomed their six children and Dory's son David.
Throughout the years on the farm/ranch, Robert enjoyed roping, saddle broncs, and bull riding. He taught his children to ride horses, drive tractors, and work on the farm/ranch. He made sure his kids were well versed and able to care for themselves and those around them.
Robert was a man that helped his friends and neighbors. There wasn't a person he met that was a stranger, many people have come to the ranch to hunt and fish.
Those remaining to cherish Robert's life are his wife, Janet of Ridgeview; children: Roslyn "Kitty" Webster, Craig, CO, Blaine (Deedra) Gesinger, Pierre, Kenny (Mary Kaye) Gesinger, Armstrong Co, SD, Janelle Gesinger (John Hilt), Las Vegas, NV, and Peggy Gesinger, Weatherford, TX; bonus son, David Krovoza, Williams, AZ; grandchildren: Courtney, Kelan, and Austin Gesinger, Logan (Blake) Wigvey, and Travis, Jake, and Clayton Tolbert; great grandchildren: Kiercen, Kahler, and Krue Gesinger and Rowan and Ruger Tolbert; and one sister, Louann Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose; daughter, Roberta "Birdy" Tolbert; and three siblings: Florence Wamsley, Delores Kinsey, and Kenny Gesinger.
Memorials in Robert's honor may be directed to the Potter County Library, 205 W Commercial Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442, Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 27, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or Eagle Butte Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1090, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Robert's arrangements.