Robert "Bob" Roesler

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Robert George Roesler, of Bismarck, passed away at the age of 98, with his wife, Rebecca, at his side. Memorial services will be on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Bismarck. 

Bob, the youngest of nine children, was born June 15, 1926, in Hazelton, ND, to Ernst and Emilie (Scheuffele) Roesler. He graduated from Hazelton High School, where he was on the basketball team and played cornet in the school band. Upon graduation in 1944, Bob enlisted in the US Army Air Corp, served in the Pacific Theater, was awarded several medals, and honorably discharged in 1946. The GI Bill provided Bob the opportunity to attend the University of Colorado where he met Kathleen Frances Hatch, of Denver. Bob and Kay were married on January 22, 1950. They left university prior to graduating, moving to North Dakota where Bob helped his oldest brother in an oil service business. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Bismarck where Bob accepted employment with Montana Dakota Utilities. Bob had a successful 36-year career at MDU, most spent as Marketing Manager. He retired in 1986.

Bob and Kay lived in both Minot and Minneapolis before returning to Bismarck. They raised seven children: Larry, Laura, Roberta (Diane Dickman), Lynn (Karen), Becky (Mike) LeDuc, Lisa, and Ronald. There are six grandchildren: Justin LeDuc, Timothy LeDuc, Leah (Roman) Trussov, Emily (Jim) Robbins, Laura (Andrew) Kozlowski, Kyle Roesler and five great-grandchildren. Kay passed away from breast cancer in 1985.

Bob loved hunting, playing golf, playing cards and being outdoors. He was active in his community, being a member of the American Legion and Commander of the local VFW Post. He was also deeply involved in the Open Your Heart charity campaign.

Bob met Rebecca (Mushik) Huelskamp and they were married in Kaua'i, Hawaii on December 3, 1991. Bob and Becky spent 12 joyful years traveling in Europe and four more cruising the Caribbean and Alaska. Bob was a very patient golf teacher for two of his step-great-grandchildren. Becky has three children: Kim (Corey) Dahl, Gail (Tim) Meland, and Craig Huelskamp. She has five grandchildren: Andrew (Gina) Dahl, Britta (Chris) Kopp, Steven (Allison) Meland, Marie (Mike) Fisher, Dylan Huelskamp and nine great-grandchildren.

Bob's greatest joy in life was his family. He maintained the joy of children all his life to the present and added in all the neighbor's children to his list to stop and smile at every little one he met no matter where he was. 

He is survived by Becky, his wife of 32 years, his six children and their families, and Becky's three children and their families. 

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Kay, his daughter, Laura, his parents, and each of his eight siblings.

Any memorials are preferred to be donated to Lutheran Church of the Cross in Bismarck.