Carl Joseph Kessler

Carl J. Kessler, 85, of Olney, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital.

Carl was born March 4, 1940 in Clay County, IL, the son of Edwin and Helen (Kuenstler) Kessler. He married Judy M. Smithenry on April 20, 1963 at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Newton, IL, and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2017.

Carl was a lifelong farmer and was a devoted and loving husband and father. He enjoyed his friendships, new and old, and took pleasure in visiting with his friends. He played cards and enjoyed dancing.

Carl had a collection of farm toys and pedal tractors. He enjoyed going to tractor shows and was proud of his John Deere 4020.

Carl's loyalty and friendship will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Carl is survived by his sons, Randy Kessler and Anthony (Kristi) Kessler; Daughters, Carla (Jerry) Hazel, Stephanie (Bob) Ochs, Michelle (Randy John Bergbower) Kessler, and Christina (Craig) Diel; Grandchildren, Bryan (Lindsay) Hazel, Jason (Courtney) Hazel and Joshua Hazel, Christopher (Danae) Ochs, Alisha (Andrea) Di Ruzza and Curtis (Kelsey) Ochs, Kendra (Keaton) Mahan, Shelby (Zach Harris) Wyatt, Ellis (Emalee Aguirre) Kessler, Scott, Elizabeth, Carly, and Adam Kessler, Collin, Alex, and Alaina Diel; Great Grandchildren, Rylan, Gavin, Carson and Daelyn Ochs, Beck and Maggie Di Ruzza, Quinn and Riley Hazel, Chloe, Archer and Lewis Mahan, Bennett Kessler, Ryder Harris; Brother, Hugh (Francis) Kessler and Sister-in-Law, Norma Kessler, Brother-in-laws, Mike, Ed (Marilyn), Bob (Stella), Don (Kathy), and Paul Smithenry; Sister-in-laws, Jean (Bill) Weber and Carol Kessler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Wife, Judy Kessler; Son, Scott Kessler; Grandchildren, Isaac and Reese Kessler; Sisters, Erma (Melvin) Rauch, Elizabeth (Tom) Coan, Gertrude (Clifford) Rauch, Frieda Kessler and Carolyn (Robert) Frohning; Brothers, Paul (Mary) Kessler; Leonard Kessler; and Ben (Martha) Kessler; sister-in-law, Betty Smithenry; brother-in-law, Steve Kessler.

A visitation will be held for friends and family on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.

Visitation will be also be held the following morning before the mass from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM with Father Anthony Co officiating.

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Wendelin, with Full military rites to be performed at graveside.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to VFW Post 4226 or Holy Cross Catholic Youth Ministry.