Joseph Gessner

Joseph M. Gessner, age 54, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 in the emergency room at Mercy Memorial Hospital. Joseph was born March 15, 1954 in Monroe the son of the late Robert G. and Mary (Bazick) Gessner. While growing up, Joe was also fortunate to have a second set of loving parents, the late Bernard and Kathleen Balk. Joe was a 1972 graduate of Jefferson High School. On October 28, 1971 at Bethany Baptist Church in Monroe, Joe married his beloved wife the former Lynnell S. Baumgartner. Joe, along with his partner, Karl Bellestri, owned and operated Today’s Home Improvement in Monroe. A construction business they started in 1971 while Joe was still in High School. Joe was a member of Monroe Alliance Church where he served as an Usher and Trustee. Joe was a member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. Above all Joe enjoyed his family, especially playing and spending time with his grandchildren. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years Lynnell, 5 loving children; Joseph Michael (Natalie) Gessner of Monroe, Jeffery J. ( Mariya) Gessner of Monroe, Chad K. (Brittany) Gessner of Sylvania, OH, Justin D. (Melanie) Gessner of Monroe and Stephanie J. (Lorie) Gessner of Lambertville, 16 cherished grandchildren, 8 brothers and sisters; Robert G. Gessner Jr. of Monroe, Mark Gessner of Toledo, OH, Richard D. Gessner of Monroe, Jean M. (Joseph) LaRoy of Erie, Chris (Bill) Cvengros of Monroe, Patricia (Russell) Lones of Toledo, OH, Beth Ann Gessner of Stanton, MI and Mary K. Gessner of Adrian, MI. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by 2 brothers; James Gessner and James Balk. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3-8 PM and Sunday from 1-8 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Eric Foust pastor of Monroe Alliance Church will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made the Building Fund At Monroe Alliance Church.