"Sad to hear about Bob's passing. I met him at Kurth reunion and I remember he was one of my Dad's favorite cousins. Deepest condolences to his family. Raymond Kurth Jr., Green Bay, Wi."
In loving memory of
Robert Henry Kessenich
January 19, 1924 - August 4, 2018
Kessenich, Robert H.
Madison: Robert H. Kessenich, age 94, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born January 19, 1924 the son of Joseph and Catherine (Kurth) Kessenich on the family farm near Waunakee.
Robert graduated from Waunakee High School. He served his country in the US Army during WWII in Alaska, and there he met the beautiful Lillias Fitzgerald. They were united in marriage on November 4, 1946 in Juneau, Alaska and returned to Wisconsin shortly after to raise their family in Waunakee.
Following his military service, he continued his career in transportation in the trucking industry as Assistant Manager for Yellow Truck Line in Chicago, Vice President of Robertson Transportation in Madison, and retired in 1986 as Vice President for Carnation Company's Private Fleet, which served throughout the United States. Following retirement Robert joined the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association where he served as an active board member, and later an honorary board member.
Robert was an avid Badger football and basketball fan and season ticket holder for over 50 years, and a member of the Overtime Club, and Mendota Club. He was also a long-time Packers fan and season ticket holder where he enjoyed many games in Milwaukee and Green Bay with his siblings and families. Robert was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was a member of Waunakee Legion Post 360, VFW Post 8483, and past president of the Madison Transportation Club. Above all else, Bob's passion was golf. He was a past member of Sun Prairie and Cherokee Country Clubs, and played regularly up until a few years ago.
Robert is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lillias, sons Randy (Mary) Kenosha, Brian Madison, and Tom Waupaca, and daughters, Linda (Rob) Perez Phoenix, AZ and Sue (Greg) Lehman Madison. His grandchildren include Christopher and Joseph Kessenich, Lena (Heath) Long, Joana (fiancee Francis) Perez, Tara (Kevin Hudson), Krista (Mitch) Anderson, Michelle (Brandon) Wilson. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by a sister Betty Mulhern in Sun Prairie and brother Jack in Shellsberg, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Arthur, Donald, Joseph, and William and sister Lorraine French.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 10, 2018 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 North Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Please share your memories.
Winn Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-4513
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy Liilias and family. I worked with Kess for 10 years at Carnation Company. Many fond memories. God Bless You All! Jayne McCarthy"
"My condolences to Robert?s loved ones. Many happy memories be with you all, and may these promises from Jehovah God comfort and strengthen you to endure. ?Do not be anxious?..but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.? Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 25:8 New World Translation"
"Thank you Tammi Alexander! The Badger Honor Flight was one of the highlights of our dad?s life. Thank you to all who made that possible! (Daughter) Sue"
" So sad to hear about Bob. He was such a good guy! Wonderful WMCA board member, later a helpful employee, and such a great friend. I have so many fond memories of him. A Class act! I will miss him more than I can express. Tom Howells"
"So sorry for the whole family to lose such a wonderful person in your lives. We have many memories of Bob. One I thought of would interest Randy. When you were little & lived in Waunakee just down the street from us on third st., you would come to visit Don. You all have our prayers. Don & Joan Kirner"
"My sincerest condolences to Bob's family and friends for their loss. I had the wonderful experience of working with Bob at the Wisconsin Motor Carriers for many years. It was always enjoyable to go some place with Bob. He was upbeat and positive on his outlook. Talking with him made me feel good. Mike De Haan"
"The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Robert Kessenich. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on April 17, 2010."