Robert “Bob” Wermerskirchen, age 75
Robert “Bob” Wermerskirchen, age 75 of Jordan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. A visitation was held on Monday, November 14, 2016 from 4-7 pm at Ballard- Sunder Funeral Home, 104 1st St. W, Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 11 am with a visitation 1- hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd St. E, Jordan. Bob was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Father Timothy Yanta presided. Pallbearers were Bob’s grandchildren Clint Considine, Jordan Wolfswinkel, Justin Wolfswinkel, Cole Wolfswinkel, Abby Wolfswinkel, Brody Considine, and Kaley Jo Considine. Honorary pallbearers were Bob’s godchildren, Betty McAndrews, Bonnie Parker, Nikki Anderson, Craig Wermerskirchen, Jason McAndrews and Danny Fox.
On January 16, 1941 in Shakopee, Roman and Ruth (Lagerstrom) Wermerskirchen celebrated the birth of their son, Robert Allen Wermerskirchen. Bob was the oldest of eight children. Growing up on the family dairy farm, Bob learned the value of hard work. During high school, Bob was nationally honored for his participation in FFA and 4-H. His love of farming and 4-H carried over throughout his life. During his junior year, his father broke his neck and Bob made the difficult decision to temporarily leave school to work on the farm.
After Bob’s high school graduation in 1960, he enlisted in the Army reserves and then continued to farm. In October of 1965, Bob married Gloria Anderson and became parents to Dawn, Denise and Dale. After 13 years, Bob and Gloria parted ways. Bob later married Julie Grommesch, and they raised 4 more children together, Kyle, Megan, Holly, and Amber. As a father, Bob was always supportive and involved. Bob ensured his children had the opportunity to experience farm life as he had. Bob spent many years operating two large dairy farms as a partner with his parents. Later, he made a smooth transition from cows to pigs and then eventually a small hobby farm. Bob was incredibly proud that his children and eventually grandchildren were members of 4-H.
Bob was not only committed to his family, but to his community and his faith. Just like his father, Bob enjoyed being a member of the county fair board. He was also a member of the National Farmers Organization, the Jaycees and the Knights of Columbus. Bob loved coordinating hog roasts for weddings and community events. Throughout the years, he owned a landscaping business, as well as worked for Peterson Seed Company. After retiring, Bob found a very rewarding position as a driver for special needs children with Anderson Bus Company in Shakopee.
Bob was a big hearted, humble man who taught everyone that when you’re doing something you love, people can’t tell if you’re working or just having fun. Bob will be greatly missed by his children, Dawn Wolfswinkel, Denise Considine, Kyle (Jessica) Wermerskirchen, Megan (Scott) Herrmann, Holly (Conner) Useldinger, Amber (Nate) O'Groske; daughter-in-law, Teri Wermerskirchen; grandchildren, Jordan Wolfswinkel, Justin (Esme) Wolfswinkel, Cole Wolfswinkel, Abby Wolfswinkel, Clint (Erin) Considine, Brody Considine, Kaley Jo Considine, Julie (Jeremy) Butricks, Jessica (John) Maki, Joshua Wermerskirchen, Barron Wermerskirchen, Clarabelle Wermerskirchen, Elias Wermerskirchen, Jameson Wermerskirchen, Aaron Herrmann, Evelyn Herrmann, Kate Herrmann, Aida Herrmann, Blair Useldinger, Remi Useldinger; 8 great grandchildren; siblings, Janet Wermerskirchen SSND, Joan (Denny) Pieper, Chuck (Pat) Wermerskirchen, Dick (Dorothy) Wermerskirchen, Betty (Joe) McAndrews, Sandi (Greg) Fox; many relatives and friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Ruth; son, Dale Wermerskirchen and nephew, Curt Pieper.
