Joseph Kessler

Date of Birth

May 30,1927

Date of Death

Jan 13,2006

JOSEPH W. KESSLERAge 78 of Maple Park, IL, passed away at his home, Friday morning, January 13, 2006. Surrounded by his loving family, Joe peacefully made the last steps of his journey "home". BORN / PARENTSHe was born May 30, 1927 in Sleepy Eye, MN, the son of Conrad and Hermina (Unzeitig) Kessler EDUCATIONHe began his education at St. Mary’s Catholic school but as a youth, left school to work and help support his family. Years later, long after graduating with a "masters" from the "school of hard knocks", Joseph went back to school at the age of 49 and earned his G.E.D Among his many life accomplishments, Joe took great pride in this achievement. MARRIAGEOn January 19, 1948, Joseph was united in marriage to Joleen M. Seidl and they made their home in DeKalb and were blessed with 4 children, Randy, Stephen, Connie and Mark. Although time would later take Joseph and Joleen their separate ways, their children always remained a family. In 1967 Joe met Bernice Nelson and her children Rick, Rob and Chris. A romance began that lead to matrimony on October 5, 1974. Joe and Bernice lived in Maple Park where the two families became one. Sunday Dinners and traditions great and small, became the glue that united them all. Together, Joe and Bernice traveled through the years, enjoying each other’s heritage and making Joe proud of them all. Everyone looked forward to the annual vacation to Crawford’s Resort in Canada. Countless memories, defining moments and "family folklore" were born there. An avid hunter and fisherman, Joe also enjoyed fall fishing on the Mississippi River. Later years brought warm winters in Texas, Arizona and California but wherever Joe was, he enjoyed life. His hands were never idle as he made numerous fishing poles, both casting and spinning types, from natural graphite. He had a gift too for bringing the beauty back to old furniture. His keen eyes and appreciation for nature, also took great pleasure in bird watching. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY Joe was a hard worker from his youth. As a young man with a family he worked in the local bakery where his children remember helping dad bake a gross of cookies every Saturday morning. The DeKalb years found Joe working at Barber Greene for some thirty years until he retired in 1988. MEMBERSHIPS He was a life member of the DeKalb Moose, the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus, DeKalb, the Maple Park Golf League, and his favorite, the "Tuesdays Mens Club" in Maple Park. SURVIVORS He is survived by seven children:Randy (Kathy) Kessler of Otsego, MN,Stephen (Gail) Kessler of DeKalb, IL,Connie Altenburg of Camarillo, CA,Mark (Terry) of Sycamore, IL,Rick (Joan) Nelson of Clare, IL,Rob (Mary Jo Peterson) Nelson of Maple Park andChris (Mike) Heyob of Maple Park;Fifteen grandchildrenRandy’s: Stephanie (Gary) Burdett, Jillian (John) Haussner and Joseph Kessler;Steve’s: Marcie, Amanda and Jenny Kessler;Connie’s: Brian Altenburg and Casey (Mike) Beckett;Mark’s: Ryan and Kate Kessler; Rob’s: Hunter and Gage Nelson;Chris’: Cory Heyob, Erin and Jenice;One great granddaughter, Sydney Beckett;One brother, Robert (Corrine) Kessler of Joyce, IA.PRECEDED In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his wives: Joleen and Bernice, one grandchild, Kelly Jean Kessler and two brothers, James "Skip" and Raymond Kessler.VISITATION / FUNERAL A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2006 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A memorial service will conclude the evening at 7:30pm. The Rev. Fr. Harold Schmidt formerly of Trinity Lutheran Church, Genoa, IL will officiate. Private family cremation committal services will be held at a later date. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Joseph’s name to perpetuate his memory and the things in which he believed. Checks may be made to the Joseph Kessler Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com.

Memorial Visitation Tuesday January 17th 2006 4-7pm , Conclusion at 7:30pm

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