Obituary of Robert Walter Meisch

Meisch, Robert Walter Age 64, a long-time resident of Minneapolis, died on Nov. 7, 2014. Bob dealt with ongoing heart issues for the last several years. Bob was a great raconteur, avid reader, and a veritable walking encyclopedia and dictionary. His mother-in-law, Kay Schimke, described him as a vital part of their family, a good natured and kind person who was interested in everyone. He loved cats, Scrabble, and vintage motorcycles. Robert attended Cooper grade school in Minneapolis and graduated from Edina High School in 1968. During the 1970s Bob was a resident of Nicollet Island where he became a founding member of the Blind Lizard Motorcycle Club. Bob graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Forestry in 1975. He then attended Hennepin County Vocational Technical School where he obtained machine shop certification. He married Ann Schimke in June of 1974. Bob worked for the Minneapolis Park Board as an urban forester and certified arborist for more than 28 years, retiring in 2004. In 2008, when Bob drove his sister Lynn to the MSP airport he made a detour down Minnehaha Parkway in South Minneapolis that looked more like a fairyland than an urban thoroughfare. The street was framed by rows of trees in groups with alternating purple, pink and white blossoms. Bob said, "My crews and I planted these, and when St. Peter asks what I've done with my life I'll tell him I was responsible for planting more than a quarter of a million trees." In retirement Robert and his cousin, Richard Parish, established the Scandia Saw Mill. His love of wood prompted him to make furniture for his home. Preceded in death by father Francis R. Meisch. Survived by wife of 40 years, Ann Schimke Meisch; mother, Elaine Meisch; brother, Richard Meisch of Houston, TX (Diane Tanabe); sisters, Lynn Meisch of Walnut Creek, CA, and Lois Meisch. Also survived by in-laws, Robert and Kay Schimke and brothers-in-law Robert Jr. (Cathy), Paul (Nancy), Peter, Philip (Nicole), and sister-in-law Sara Harris (Jim). He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews Katie, Matt, Rosie, Ben, Cedar, Alex, Vivian, and Henry. Robert is also survived by numerous relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 2 PM with visitation one hour prior at the Cremation Society of Minnesota 4343 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis, MN. 612-825-2435. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Nature Conservancy, Animal Humane Society or donor's choice.