Robert Lloyd Van Dessel

Robert Lloyd Van Dessel, 87, passed October 21, 2022.

Bob was born to Maude Hodges and Julius Van Dessel on May 19, 1935. He grew up on the family farm north of Joplin with his brothers and sisters, Norbert, Kay, Don, and Elva. Bob attended Joplin schools and graduated from Joplin High School in 1954.

Bob married Alice Myers in 1955 and they had three children, Alan, Roger, and Twilla. Alice passed in 1986.

“Bobby”, as known to many, loved all things farming. Bobby was also a gifted mechanic, with an ability to simply hear or feel what ailed an engine of any kind. His favorite seat was on a tractor or a combine, usually with a thermos of coffee and a handful of cookies. If he had to be standing, it would be behind a camera. Bobby enjoyed taking and sharing many photos at school and family events.

Bob married Hazel Garlitz in Billings in 1989. Bob loved to drive, and they enjoyed many trips together. With Hazel as the navigator, they went to hundreds of Sunday drives and drove all over the US including Wisconsin, California, Colorado, and Nova Scotia as well as cruises to Alaska and Panama.

Bob had a twinkle in his eye and family will miss his prankster sense of humor most of all.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Kay Alley; first wife, Alice; and son-in-law, Bryan Kirst.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel; children, Alan, Roger, Twilla (Doug) Vance; stepchildren, James (Danita) Garlitz and Erika Garlitz Kirst; grandchildren, Brittney, Laura, William, Ivan, Brookelyn, J.J., Zachary, Alexander, and Zoe; brothers, Norbert and Don; sister, Elva; and nieces and nephews.

Graveside service at Joplin Cemetery will be Saturday, November 5, at 1pm. A memorial service at Chester Alliance Church will follow burial at 2pm. A potluck reception at the church after service.