Robert “Bob” John Beussman, age 77 of New Ulm died peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.
Robert “Bob” John Beussman was born on May 21, 1945, in Springfield, Minnesota to Edwin and Rufina (Hohman) Beussman. He grew up on his family’s farm in rural Springfield and was a 1963 graduate from Springfield High School. Bob furthered his education at Mankato State University where he attained his bachelor’s degree in education. Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army during the time of the Vietnam War, and served an additional four years in the U.S. National Guard. After his time in the service, Bob went back to school at Mankato State where he attained his master’s degree in education. He was united in marriage to Cheryl (Windhorn) Beussman on August 12, 1967, at the Congregational Church in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with three children whom together they raised in New Ulm where Bob worked his entire career as an elementary school teacher for New Ulm Public Schools-District 88. Bob touched the lives of countless children as a teacher in his 33 year career before his retirement in 2000. As a man who enjoyed to stay busy even in his retirement, Bob went back to work for Skillings which later became Wegner Technology. Bob took a tremendous amount of pride in the City of New Ulm and gave back in every way he could. He served as the Mayor of New Ulm for over 10 years, was an Ambassador of the City, volunteered with the Sertoma Club, was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and was a knowledgeable tour guide for the city as well as Schell’s Brewery. Bob was instrumental in the installation of the city’s first splash pads, and was also the catalyst to the completion of the Highway 14 project to New Ulm as the President of the Highway 14 Coalition; a legacy he was honored to be a part of. Bob was proud of his service as a veteran, and proudly served as a past commander of the New Ulm American Legion-Seifert Bianchi Post 132, the New Ulm VFW, and the DAV. He also served many years as the Chaplain and trumpet player with the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard where he provided honors for countless area veterans. As a gifted and talented musician, Bob performed with the Concord Singers as well as being the director for many years, and played with the Bockfest Boys as well as many other area music groups. Bob took pride in his work as a teacher, his service as a veteran, and as a leader of his community, but what he took the most pride in was his family. He loved every moment he got to spend with them and especially loved getting to see his grandchildren grow. He will be dearly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Blessed be his memory.