Robert Don Gessel

Robert Don “Rob” Gessel, beloved husband, father, granddaddy, brother, and friend, passed away on August 28, 2025.

Rob was born on March 4, 1952, in Seattle, Washington, to Arion Don Gessel and Mary Elaine Bates. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an honorable mission in the England South mission, from 1971 to 1973. Among the highlights of his church service were camping trips with his boys in the Scouting program and working with the church’s single adult organization, which included annual campouts at Ensign Ranch.

He attended schools in Seattle, including Ingraham High School, and later studied at Ricks College in Idaho. Rob was married to Patricia J. Edwards from 1975 to 1992, and together they had three children. On August 15, 1998, he married Susan Park Campbell, who brought three additional children whom Rob lovingly considered his own.

Rob worked for 37 years at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), traveling nationwide as a senior materials specialist in non-destructive testing. He specialized in the inspection of bridges, including ultrasonic testing of bridge pins, and was known industry-wide as the go-to person for solving the most challenging problems in the volumetric evaluation of steel parts.

He enjoyed camping, kayaking, and singing. He also loved the beach and classic cars. His favorite times of year were Christmas and the Fourth of July, which he made especially meaningful for family and friends. Music was central to Rob’s life—he especially loved Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, attending many of their concerts. He also played the trombone in high school and sang in many choirs throughout his life.

Rob is survived by his eternal companion, Susan Gessel; his children, Heidi (Kraig) Spencer, Ryan (Nityda) Gessel, Justin Campbell, Jason (Lauren) Gessel, Jen Rutledge, Steven Campbell, and son-in-law Mike Rutledge; his 11 grandchildren: Isaak, Kaylynn, Emmalina, Phoenix, Eden, Rosemarie, Savanna, Asha, Quincy, Beckam, and Ember; and his siblings, Gail (Barry) Clinger, Phyllis Dutson, and Howard (Beverly) Gessel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arion Don and Mary Elaine Gessel; his brother-in-law, Keith Dutson; and his granddaughter, Mary Elaine.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 34815 Weyerhaeuser Way South, Federal Way. Interment will take place at the Mt. View Cemetery, Auburn.

Those who wish to participate remotely are invited to view the service via live broadcast at http://federalwaystake.net/