On January 24, 1935 God breathed the breath of life into a baby boy, Robert Ben, born in the home of Ben and Agnes (nee Coufal) Gonnerman in rural Polk County.
On Feb. 4, 2016 Bob fell asleep in the arms of His Savior Jesus Christ who carried his soul into heaven. His body lies asleep in the Lord at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery awaiting the second coming of Jesus. At that time He will be reunited with the rest of the family of God.
Between 1935 and 2106 God blessed Bob continually in so many ways.
Bob’s education began at rural school districts and was completed with his high school graduation in 1952 at Gresham High School.
God granted Bob eternal life when he was baptized at St. Peters’ Lutheran Church Gresham on October 1952. At this same time Bob confirmed his faith in Jesus as his Savior.
God granted Bob protection as he served his country in Germany from 1956-1958 as a member of the US army.
On June 6, 1954 God joined the hands and hearts of Bob and Norma Irmer in holy matrimony. In 2014 they celebrated 60 years of marriage with their children God blessed them to raise, son, Kevin Gonnerman and wife Beth and daughter Brenda Urbanek and husband Greg; grandchildren, Ellyn (fiancée Brett Kozishek), Hannah and Samuel Gonnerman and “the twins”, Emma and Maggie Urbanek. Norma, the kids, and the grandkids wait to join him in heaven.
Bob took to heart God’s command to care for the land and animals that He had created by blessing Bob with 60 years of farming in the Gresham area. During this time Bob served area farmers as the Pioneer seed salesman from 1972 until 1996.
God had granted to Bob the gift of leadership to serve others while on the York County Farm Service Agency, the Gresham School Board, the Gresham Grain Cooperative Board, and most importantly to serve God and His people on numerous St. Peter’s Lutheran church boards.
God has joined in him heaven with his parents and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Edna Irmer.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday at Metz Mortuary with the family greeting friends Monday evening from 6:30-8 p.m.
Worship services thanking God for the life of Bob Gonnerman will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 9, 2016 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Gresham.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow…
“Listen my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be like a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9.
Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Hour, Mission Central or the Donor’s Choice.