Robert Gensicke

ROBERT GENSICKE

Cedar Rapids

Robert Armstrong Gensicke passed away March 6, 2015, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 97.

Bob was born May 20, 1917, at Sunny Dale Farm in Cedar Rapids to Lillian and Henry Gensicke, the first of five children. He graduated from Grant High School in 1933. After graduating from herdsmen courses at Iowa State, Bob started Sunny Dale Dairy in 1938, with a prize herd of Guernsey cows. He married his dear wife, Jesselyn Gumprecht, in 1947 and their family grew to one son and two daughters. After fire destroyed the dairy house in 1955, Bob became a successful Realtor, specializing in farm sales.

Bob and Jess later moved to Colorado Springs, where they owned BJ's Velvet Freez, a popular soft serve ice cream store. They retired to Sedona, Ariz., in 1986.

Throughout his life, Bob was an outgoing man who loved getting to know people. He and Jesselyn enjoyed taking car trips where Bob would routinely opt for the road less traveled to see who and what was around the next bend. Bob missed Jesselyn dearly when she passed away in 2006.

Survivors include Bob's sister, Edith Miller of Astoria, Ore.; three children, Steven Gensicke and wife Mary Ann of Cedar Rapids, Holly Louvar and husband Al of Temecula, Calif., and Robyn Uptegraff and husband Mike of Irvine, Calif. In addition, "Papa" is survived by four loving grandchildren, Ryan Louvar and wife Kara, Nicholas Louvar, Anne Ohrt and husband Shane and Christopher Gensicke; and three great-grandchildren, Grayton Louvar, Elise Louvar and Rigley Ohrt.

A memorial service will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to UnityPoint Health– St. Luke's Hospital at 855 A Ave. NE, Suite 105, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.