Robert "Bob" J. Miesen

Robert John Miesen of Houston, Texas passed away in his home on October 1, 2023 at the age of 85. Bob was born in Zell, South Dakota on September 27, 1938, to Matilda and Peter Miesen. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years Rebecca Johnson Miesen and their children: Robert Miesen Jr. (Anne), Renee Montgomery (Keith), and Rachel Hanse (David). He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Ryan Montgomery, Catherine Miller (Caleb), Kelli Montgomery, Elyse Hanse, Jack Miesen, and Sam Hanse, whom he loved dearly as well as many beloved nephews and nieces. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Mildred Lammers, Mary Schiller, Peter Miesen Jr., Phyllis Huss, Albert Miesen, Patricia Jablonski, Alice Shue and Judy Kadlec. Bob attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Zell and graduated from Redfield High School in 1956. While growing up, Bob played many sports and had a mind for numbers. He attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) and played football, where he was a four-year letterman, co-captain of the Hardrocker football team, and an All-Conference team selection. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering. While vacationing with his dad and brother in Hawaii in 1963, Bob met Rebecca Johnson. They lived states apart but wrote letters to each other before marrying on August 29, 1964, in Becky’s hometown of Williston, Ohio. They lived in Midland, Texas briefly before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1966. In 1980, Bob and Becky moved to Houston. Bob worked in the oil and gas industry for more than 45 years. In the early years of his career, he travelled around the world while working for Ingersoll Rand. He specialized in compression sales. In 1982 he left Ingersoll Rand and became President of Crawford Enterprises. In the early 1990’s, he started his own company and consulted with other oil field services companies. He was well regarded in the industry. Bob was actively involved with SDSMT alumni and was alumni President in 1987 and 1988. He passionately recruited students and football players in the Houston area. In 2016, Bob received a medal for his work with alumni vice presidents and recruitment of students. Bob was inducted into the SDSMT Sports Hall of Fame in September 2023, and it is one of his proudest accomplishments. Bob was a loyal, loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was an active parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church for more than 40 years. He enjoyed singing in the choir and socializing with other parishioners. Bob loved to garden and take care of his yard. He enjoyed reading historical fiction and working on puzzles. Bob and Becky were members of Champions Golf Club in Houston for more than 30 years. He enjoyed golfing as much as he could (it was more Becky’s passion than Bob’s). Bob could always be found on the sidelines of all his grandchildren’s sporting events. One of Bob’s greatest joys was planning family reunions for his very large and loving extended family. Bob loved a good joke, a funny story, and being the life of the party. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Robert "Bob" J. Miesen

September 27, 1938 - October 1, 2023