Fred Kessler

Frederick George Kessler, 91, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Olney.

Better know to his family and friends as Fred, he was born July 15, 1933 in Clay County, IL, the son of Alex and Lorene (Desch) Kessler. He married Barbara Ann Iffert on November 22, 1956 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin. She survives.

Fred served in the U.S. Army and then returned home to the family farm. He was a hard worker, a farmer, and a talented carpenter. He was also a school bus driver at Holy Cross Catholic School. Later in life, he worked at Pierce Construction and Holt's Lumber Co.

Fred and Barbara were coordinators of the new Holy Cross Parish Hall for many years.

He would take his family on great trail rides on horseback and enjoyed all kinds of hunting, coon hunting being his favorite. He was a member of the Flora and Newton Coon Hunter Associations.

Fred was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved to go dancing. He was a good son and brother, and a loving husband and father. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church until moving to Newton and becoming a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Fred took pride and joy watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most of all, he loved being Grandpa Fred.

Fred is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Kessler of Newton; daughter, Sharon (James) Rauch of Ingraham; sons, Brad (Vickie) Kessler of Noble and Mike (Stephanie) Kessler of Moreland, GA; Nine grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren; Three sisters, Sue Dickerson of Newton, Claudia Tremaine of Batavia, IL, and Maggie Elliott of Olney; and several nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Joe Tremaine, and nephew, Tony King.

The family is grateful for the care and love he received at Richland Nursing and Rehab, and Carle RMH Hospice care.

Visitation for Fred will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, and from 9:00-10:00 AM on Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 3 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery with Full Military Rites performed by the local Veteran’s Organizations.

Memorial donations can be made in Fred’s name to St. Thomas School or Holy Cross Catholic Church.