Robert (Bob) Paul Blessing

Robert (Bob) Paul Blessing, Marine Corps veteran and faithful husband, father, brother,

grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in the afternoon of May 3rd surrounded by

family and friends after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Bob was born on January 17, 1946, to Robert (“Pete”) and Beverly (Bergeson) Blessing in

Staples, MN. He was the oldest of 6 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 preceded in death by his parents, Jennifer Blessing, Jeanette and Sonny Kratz, and

nephew Jason Blessing. He is survived by his children, Kelly Blessing, Bobby Blessing (Kelly),

and Jeff Blessing (Heidi); his 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).

Memorials can be made to Richard M Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge-

Minneapolis, MN. website: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (310 4th Street NE,

Staples, MN 56479) on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 am. with a gathering 1 hour prior to the

service at the Church. All are welcome to view the gravesite at Camp Ripley after 2pm on Friday.

Caring for Bob and his family

Taylor Funeral Home of Staples