Robert R. Wichser
On Monday, November 4, 2024, our Dad, Robert R. Wichser (Bob) bid farewell to his time on this earth. He made 97.66 trips around the sun and the time and place was to his choosing. He was surrounded by his 2nd family, the "exercise gang of 125 Live". Having just finished his workout, it was time for coffee, conversation, and laughter. With a smile on his face, and a joke on his lips he left us. Peacefully, surrounded by friends and in his own time. We will be ever grateful for your love of him and he of you.
Dad was a lifelong Rochesterite. His elementary schooling was at Holmes, Northrup, and Lincoln. Then on to Central and Rochester High School. Like many of his generation he headed out to serve in the military, joining at age 17. It was the Marine Corps for Dad and the shaping of who he was to become. Dad served during the final years of WWII in what is known as the "China Marines". He headed overseas with men that would be part of his life forever and part of our family.
Upon his ending of service, he returned to Rochester to marry his beautiful bride, his former schoolmate, neighborhood playmate, and fellow Rochesterite, Mary Jo Thompson. On December 26th, 1948 they began their life together surrounded by family and friends in the Kutzky Park home of her mother, Hannah Baillie Thompson.
Time after marriage was full of change. Dad taking classes at Winona State. Mom working at Mayo Clinic. And starting our family. Dad would eventually also work for Mayo in various positions until that time when Big Blue came to town.
Dad's career at IBM lasted 30 years, until the "original" early retirement package came through. Dad took it, and at age 60 started his next career of 20 years. Working with his sister, brother-in-law, nieces, etc. in their family business Rochester City Delivery. Dad loved that job, driving all over SE Minnesota, making stops in the many small towns of his route, checking on the farmers' fields that would be his hunting habitat in the Fall.
Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman. Time spent in nature with him was a learning experience. He was part of a local fishing group that headed to Canada for the opener every spring as soon as ice was out. He participated in that group for 37 years!
In October of 2012 we lost our Mom to Alzheimer Dementia and for the first time after 64 years of marriage, Dad was on his own. To watch our father grieve, connect with old friends and make new ones, and move forward with a new and different life was a gift he gave us kids that was monumental in its teaching. His Marine spirit shaped his character and his character shaped us. We love you Dad. We will miss you always. Thank you for all you did, all you gave, and all you taught us. Semper Fi!!!
Bob leaves behind 3 children, Robert A. Wichser (Sandy), Karla S. Baillie (Tom Dyer), J.D.Wichser (Cherlyn), 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 3 bonus grandchildren, 3 bonus great grandchildren, his sister Belva Kothenbeutel, sister in law Sharon Geise, numerous nieces and nephews and his very special friend Iva Schnell whose friendship, love, laughter and spirit of adventure brought much joy and happiness to his final years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo, his parents Don and Dorothy Geise, brother Richard, brother-in-law Codey, and many wonderful friends.
There will be a visitation from 10am - 12pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, with a reception and light lunch to follow at the Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW. A graveside service will take place at 2pm at Oakwood Cemetery, 38 7th Ave NE, Rochester, Minnesota for immediate family.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wichser family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
