John W. “Big John” Kessler
Cottleville, Mo. |
John W. “Big John” Kessler, 86, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2012 at Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon, Mo.
Born June 1, 1926 in St. Louis, he was the son of Walter W. and Marguerite (Monks) Kessler.
He married Virginia C. Benz Sept. 9, 1950 in St. Louis. She survives.
The U.S. Navy veteran served from 1944-1947 in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was aboard a troop transport ship, and was called back during the Korean Conflict as an instructor. He was a member of the Wood River VFW Post.
He worked as an operator for Olin Corp. for over 30 years, and was a member of the former St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, now Holy Angels Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kathleen (Dennis) Holsapple of Tuscola, Ill.; two sons, Michael (Lucinda) Kessler of Cottleville, Mo. and Mark Kessler of Staunton; 2 grandsons, Joseph, Sr. Timothy Kessler; and 3 great grandchildren, Mary Beth, Joseph, Jr., and John Paul Kessler, and another on the way.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Leahy and her husband Tom.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10 at Paynic Home for Funerals. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Wood River, with Father James Flach as Celebrant..
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with military honors by Alton VFW Post #1308..
Memorials may be given to Holy Angels Catholic Church or 5 A’s animal shelter.
Online guestbook and information at www.paynicfh.com.
Paynic Home for Funerals
