Robert Gross Vessey, age 90, of Brookings, died Monday, February 20, 2012, at the United Retirement Center in Brookings. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookings. Visitations will be 5-7 P.M. Friday, February 24, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Robert Gross Vessey was born June 26, 1921, in White, South Dakota, to Leland Neff and Helen (Gross) Vessey. He lived in Wessington Springs until the eighth grade when his family moved to Brookings. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1939 and from South Dakota State University in 1947. He served in the Civilian Public Services during World War II. He taught high school English and debate for one year in Winner, South Dakota. While a student at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois, Bob served Union Protestant Church in Cassopolis, MI, as a student supply pastor in 1949. Upon graduation in 1950 he married Helen McConnell. Robert served Methodist churches in Springfield, Illinois, (1950-1951), Belle Fourche, South Dakota, (1951-1956), Hurley, Vivorg, and Davis, South Dakota, (1956-1957), Sioux Falls Asbury (1957-1964); and United Methodist Churches in Mitchell, South Dakota, (1969-1974), Yankton, South Dakota, (1974-1983), and retired from full time ministry following his appointment at Spearfish, South Dakota, (1983-1987). He was Northern District Superintendent for the South Dakota Conference of the Methodist Church from 1964-1969. In 1964 he received an honorary doctoral degree from Dakota Wesleyan University, and completed his Doctorate in Theology from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1983. After his retirement he served as an interim pastor at Harrisburg United Methodist Church (1987-1988), United Methodist Church in Howard (1988-1989), and DeSmet United Methodist Church (1990). Robert loved attending sporting events of all kinds. He was an avid Brookings Bobcat fan. He liked to golf, shoot baskets, and play tennis. His passions were peace, justice, poetry, and people. He belonged to the South Dakota Peace and Justice Center, Amnesty International, AARP, American Diabetes Association, and served on countless church committees and boards. One of his greatest privileges was serving as Hospice Chaplain at Sanford (Sioux Valley) Hospital for 17 years following his retirement. He was former president of the South Dakota Poetry Society, and served as president of several Toastmasters Clubs throughout the state. He belonged to Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Rotary Club at various times during his life. He will be remembered for his quick wit and generous, giving spirit. Grateful for having shared his life, love, and passions are his wife, Helen, of Brookings; his son, Jon Vessey, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; his daughter, Mary (Lynn) Frederick, of Brookings; his son David Vessey, of Waterloo, Wisconsin; and grandsons: Luke (fiancé Kate Loeschke) and Ty Frederick; and great-grandson, Jackson Scofield. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Vessey McKay.