Robert Blessing
Robert (Bob) Paul Blessing, Marine Corps veteran and faithful husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away in the afternoon of May 3, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after a long and valiant battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial was held May 10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples,
Burial was at Camp Ripley.
Bob was born January 17, 1946, to Robert (“Pete”) and Beverly (Bergeson) Blessing in Staples. He was the oldest of six siblings, whom he loved dearly.
On June 15, 1964, he entered the United States Marine Corps. His career spanned 22 years. His decorations included: Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal 7 Awards, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal 4 Awards, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 2 Awards, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation 1st Class with Palm & Frame and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired on June 28, 1986, at the rank of Master Sergeant.
On April 29, 1967, he married his childhood sweetheart, Kathryn Emma Marden. For 57 anniversaries they made sure to dance to their song, “Stranger on the Shore” by Acker Bilk. They had three children, Kelly, Bobby and Jeff. Even though they moved frequently due to Bob’s military career, they had a home wherever they went. Their house, wherever it was, was always open to friends and family. So many people were touched and inspired by their love, commitment and kindness not only to each other, but anyone they met.
In retirement, Bob and Kathy carried on their welcoming home in Staples. Most of their days were spent on the deck, in their garage, or at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee with a friend or family member. Their coffee pot was always brewing, and oldies were always at hand for the listening ear. Bob loved to play his favorite tunes with those he loved. He instilled the love of music in his siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through the voices of Paul Anka, Buddy Holly, Neil Sedaka, Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and many more. Sometimes, he would drive around town with his favorite people, playing oldies and reminiscing on good memories.
Bob was loved fiercely by all who knew him. He will be missed beyond measure.
He is survived by his children, Kelly Blessing, Bobby Blessing (Kelly) and Jeff Blessing (Heidi); 11 grandchildren, Casey (Elizabeth) Smithley, Philip (Emily) Smithley, Shaye (Michael) Mast, Bailey (Dylan) McManigle, Landon Blessing, Riley Blessing, Ellie Shane, Lauren Shane, Addy (Cody) Hayes, Caleb Shane and Hudson Shane; his great-grandchildren, Sophia, Leo, Caroline and Catherine (Casey and Elizabeth), Lola and Oliver (Philip and Emily), Avah, Dawson and baby Mast (Shaye and Michael), Wren (Ellie Shane) and Walker and baby McManigle (Bailey and Dylan).
He is preceded in death by his parents; Jennifer Blessing; Jeanette and Sonny Kratz and nephew, Jason Blessing.
Memorials can be made to Richard M Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge- Minneapolis, MN. website: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com.
Arrangements were by Taylor Funeral Home of Staples.
w21c A00006B2024MY15
