Jerome Gessell

Jerome J. "Romie" Gessell, age 77 of Burtrum, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the CentraCare Health Hospital in Long Prairie, Minnesota.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30 at Brighter Days Family Church in Burtrum to accommodate his many relatives and friends. Rev. David Sobotka will officiate with Rev. Terry Wardlaw assisting. Family interment will be in Bearhead Cemetery near Swanville.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Burtrum.

Jerome John Gessell was born January 31, 1941 in Little Falls, Minnesota to James, Sr. and Genevieve (Stylski) Gessell. Romie was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Richardson on December 14, 1962 in Burtrum, Minnesota. He enjoyed weightlifting, fishing, deer hunting, snowmobile racing, visiting friends, looking at cars, and going to auto auctions. Romie owned and operated Gessell Auto Sales and Service for many years. He also worked for Todd County Water Patrol, worked as the Chief of Police in Burtrum, and drove school bus for 42 years. Romie was a jack of all trades. He was dedicated to his faith and read his Bible every morning. Romie's favorite past time was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandson.

Romie was a member of Faith Community Church in Burtrum and a Charter Member of the Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Gessell of Burtrum; Romie Jr. (Beth) Gessell of Grey Eagle; grandkids, Emily (Eric) Jenkins of Long Prairie, Evan Gessell of Grey Eagle, and Erik Gessell of Grey Eagle; great-grandson, Griffin Jenkins; and sisters and brother, Marlene (Gene) Larson, Mary Felix, Barb (Terry Eliason) Pinckey, and Pat (Jan) Gessell.

Romie was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronnie Gessell; brothers, James Gessell, Jr., Gerald Gessell, and Duane Gessell; and mother-in-law, Hazel Richardson.

Serving as casket bearers will be Dave Atkinson, Andy Brinkman, Steve Och, Steve Rueter, Dale Spitka, and Jason Steinert. Honorary bearers will be the Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions.