Robert Reino Kesanen

Robert Reino “Bob” Kesanen, 98 years young, passed away Friday evening, Feb. 5, 2016, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center after a short stay for a fall. Bob was born in Cook, Minnesota, Aug. 25, 1917, to Kristiina and Matthew Kesanen. He is predeceased by his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

Bob lived his early life in Minnesota, except for serving in the Army in 1942. He has been an Alaska resident since 1971.

He retired from the Municipality of Anchorage in 1981. In his younger days, he was a heavy equipment operator, logger, mechanic and welder.

Bob was an independent man to his last days, never losing his ability to drive. Bob was a quiet man, respected by all who knew him. He loved his family deeply. Our family is so grateful to have had this amazing man for so many years. He will truly be missed.

He and Amy Ferguson eloped April 10, 1941, a love story for nearly 75 years. Amy survives him, as well as son Jim (Donna) of Texas; daughters, Donna (Phil) Aber, of Wasilla, Sharon (Jack) Jones, of Missouri, and Kristie Smithers, of Wasilla; grandchildren, Randy (Shawn) Apling and Steve (Casey) Apling, of Wasilla, Gina (Jason) Wilmink and Jason Kesanen, of Anchorage, Robert (Tiffany) Jones, of Missouri, Ryan VanGorder, of Wasilla, Ellen VanGorder, of Anchorage and Adam Smithers, of Wasilla, great-grandchildren Tyler (Alex) Apling and Trisha Apling, of Wasilla, Aaron Amber and April Wilmink, of Anchorage, and Brett Jones, of Missouri; great-great-grandchildren, Korbin Wilmink, of Anchorage, and Aubree and Jade Apling, of Wasilla.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church at Leatherleaf and Bogard Road in Wasilla. Mr. Gary Calhoun will officiate. Reception to follow at the church. Memorial donations can be directed to Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are with Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home.