Darold Francis Gessert, son of Donald and Regina (Patten) Gessert, was born February 17, 1945, in Portsmouth, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, and attended and graduated from Harlan High School. After high school, Darold joined the Army on September 9, 1965, and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged on August 22, 1967, and moved back to Harlan.
Darold was formerly married to Karla Hansen at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and two children were born to this union: Jon and Jason. He continued to live in Harlan and worked at the Pork Plant, Farmland, Jim’s Meat Locker, Western Engineering, Menards, and JFS & Associates, LTD Inc.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors and was always available to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Most of all, throughout his life, he loved his family and spending time with them. Whether it was bowling on a league with his brothers and nephews, playing pool with family, or entertaining the little ones at Hy-Vee breakfast on Sundays, his smile and laughter would fill a room.
Darold passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, at UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska, attaining the age of seventy-seven years, nine months, and 18 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons Jon and Jason; siblings Ralph and Donald Gessert, JoAnn Rose, and Rozann Lauritsen; brothers-in-law Lyle Lauritsen, Lee Tresner, Terry Derby, Lonnie Rose, and sister-in-law Georgia Gessert.
He is survived by his siblings Wayne Gessert of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Dale Gessert of Tennant, Iowa, Diane Derby, Kathy (John) Kelly, Marcia (Tom) Albertsen, Randall Gessert, Darwin (Mary) Gessert all of Harlan, Iowa, Beverly (Gary) Heilig of Minden, Iowa, Dean (Deb) Gessert of Harlan, Iowa, Donna Gessert (Jeff Mayne) of Harlan, Iowa; sisters-in-law Mickie Gessert of Harlan, Iowa and Sue Gessert of Elk Horn, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.
Burial will be in the Harlan Cemetery.
Visitation is Sunday, December 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan with Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
