Richard C. Gesling

Richard C. Gesling, 92, of Moline, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Divine Rehab and Nursing Home, Fennimore, Wisconsin.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Riverside United Methodist Church, 712 16th Street, Moline. Visitation will be one hour before the service, and a luncheon will follow the service. Private burial has taken place at Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa. Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline, is assisting the family. Memorials preferred to Riverside United Methodist Church, Christian Friendliness, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Born in Burlington, Iowa, to Otis and Ruth (Becker) Gesling on July 21,1927; married Bonnie Finke on August 28, 1949. During their 70 years of marriage, they enjoyed countless happy times camping out west, spending time with family and friends, watching ballgames (especially Augustana College), and participating in their United Methodist Church.

Although “Mr. Gesling” was a byword for discipline and strictness during his 22 years teaching math in the Davenport schools, he was also noted for his support for school activities and involvement with the community. He was a lifetime member of the National Educational Association, former officer of the Scott Schools Credit Union, and member of the Davenport Retired Teachers.

Dick’s wide-ranging interests included memberships with the Circus Historical Society, Rock Island County Historical Society, Rock Island Conservation Club, American Philatelic Society, and Moline American Legion. Formerly, he served on the board of the QCCA and was part of the Rock Island Lions Club.

Perhaps his most noted leadership role came during the 20+ years he and Bonnie spent summers camping at Georgetown Lake in Montana. Their enthusiasm encouraged so many others to come that a section of the campground became labelled “Moline, Montana” and, even without an election, Dick was widely known as The Mayor.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie; son, Robert (Carrie) of Blue Grass; daughters, Linda (Steven Ozanne) of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Diane (Bernard Bober) of Lancaster, Wisconsin, and Nancy (Robert Bell) of Port Orford, Oregon; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.