Richard Gessler, Sr.

Rick passed away on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 from a devastating cascade of health conditions stemming from an autoimmune condition. He passed peacefully at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, MN surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Evelyn Gessler, his brother Jim, brother Bob and his sister Barbara Gessler Peters. Rick’s presence is now devastatingly missed by Mary, his wife, his son Rick Jr. and wife, Laura, his daughter Krista and her husband, Kevin (Kehoe) and his grandchildren - Nathan, Lane and Mia Gessler and Jack Kehoe. 

Acknowledged in 2021 as a 50-year member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Rick began his career at Illinois Bell (“Ma Bell”) Phone Company, shifting into a position at AT&T and then SBC. Rick always found his voice advocating for worker’s rights. After retiring from SBC Rick started down a new path immersing himself in labor representation with IBEW Local 21, which ultimately progressed into working as an International Representative for the IBEW until he retired. Through the IBEW Rick found his perfect “niche”. He channeled his natural determination and drive to advocate for labor. Extremely proud of his union roots he worked tirelessly for fair labor practices. Having a deeply rooted sense of justice and fairness those qualities guided him through his life. Rick was someone you definitely wanted on YOUR side! At the top of his “favorites list” were CARS, SUMMERS and a good OLD-FASHIONED COCKTAIL (Woodford, please)! Summers being almost sacred to Rick, he made the most of all 74 summers he was given (including the annual trip to Tablerock Lake for 40+ years). He preferred “horse-power” to “horses” and Rick owned more vehicles throughout his lifetime than he had birthdays. A lifelong car enthusiast, he drove ANYTHING with confidence and ease. Whether it was towing, driving boats, operating some “heavy-equipment” or hauling trailers behind an RV navigating through switchbacks on icy, snow-covered roads “mountainside” or speeding down a racetrack he made that all seem EFFORTLESS. His cars and garage were immaculately kept - a reflection of everything he did.

Having a problem with a car? Boat? Tractor? Equipment? Appliance? Gadget? Neighbor? - Rick could fix it! — Or...at least he knew exactly where to start. Possessing a wide range of knowledge, he was endlessly researching a varied range of topics. Rick was tenacious, strong and loyal. The epitome of a “badass” he pushed past death to recovery on many occasions through several surgeries, treatments and challenges when his health was giving him opposition. In those situations his will to live prevailed. Although in the end his body gave up the fight his will to live would not. His fighting spirit refused to be extinguished but then finally allowed him to pass.

He was proud of the family he built and the legacy he leaves behind: determination, tenacity, and hard work. Married at 19 to his high-school sweetheart, Mary, they remained together through joyful, sad, frightening and challenging times - loving, caring and devoted to the end. Fiercely loyal to his family and always wanting the best for his children and grandchildren Rick showed them “how it was done”. Rick took his final “off ramp” from this world with his family by his side. He did it HIS way — demonstrating to his grandkids what courage, grit, and love really look like!

Rest easy. You followed your own road map and drove through this life well.

An intimate Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Rick requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.