Born into Life
July 13, 1932
Entered into Rest
February 19, 2024
Norman was born in a small clinic in Lodi in 1932. He attended Lodi elementary schools and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1950. He was on the high school championship swim team for four years and was given a life pass to all future LUHS sporting events. His friends gave him the nickname "Bubby". Following high school, he served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict and attended San Jose State University.
Norman had an entrepreneurial spirit. He started Hoppe's Pizza with his lifelong friend Bill Hoppe, the first pizza restaurant in the area. Later ventures included Milk Stop, L and M Hamburgers and insurance adjusting.
He loved his annual fishing and hunting trips to Idaho with his long time friends and his weekly golf game on the greens. Norman was also active in the Clements-Lockeford Lions Club. Later in his life, he traveled extensively with his beloved wife Betty to Hawaii, Mexico, and throughout the United States. They enjoyed cruising to Alaska and Mexico.
Norman is survived by his wife of 16 years, Betty Jean Shannon and her 4 children who welcomed Norman into their family with open arms.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Dorothea Gesler, his sister Fredene Earll and first wife Patricia Ann Haley Gesler. Norman is survived by his 3 children, Bradley Gesler, Kelli Gesler Buck, Dr. Stewart Gesler, numerous grandchildren and his sister Carlyn McKindley.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lodi Boys & Girls Club in honor of Norman's memory.
Norman wanted to go home to his Lord and Savior. John 14:1-6
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gesler family.