If your family tree has roots in St. Michael, chances are you were related to the lovely Esther Kessler, who passed away Sunday, July 20, at her home, surrounded by family.
Esther had recently been diagnosed with cancer, the same dreaded disease that took her daughter, Jennifer, a few years ago. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Kessler; daughter, Jennifer Kessler; son-in-law, Neil Luhmann; grandson, Justin Kolles; great-grandson, Noah Hofmeister, and brother, Vernette Zachman.
Services for Esther are set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2014 at St. Michael Catholic Church, with a visitation and Rosary from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, also at the church. The prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral on Thursday.
She will be buried at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Esther Zachman was born June 8,1926. When she married Dale Kessler, it joined two of the St. Michael area’s founding families, and paved the way for the community’s future. Together, they were blessed with 15 children, nearly all of whom still reside in this area. Members of the Hofmeister, Kolles, Weber, Zachman, Kessler, Krutzig and Johnson families can all trace their branches back to the Kessler family tree.
She is survived by by her children: Jacqueline Scherber (Ray Edgette), Judith (Dick) Hofmeister, Michele Luhmann, Mark (Gale) Kessler, Peggy (Max) Johnson, Fran (Dave) Brant, Kurt (Cindy) Kessler, Roberta (Dale) Kolles, Lisa (Jim) Dick, Gwen (Mark) Krutzig, Karl (Karen) Kessler, Joseph (Laurie) Kessler, Dawn (Paul) Soukup, Connie Kessler (Paul Kammerer). Further survived by brother and sisters: Anita Kolles, Elva Weber, Earl Zachman, Marian Meyer, Jeanette Fricke, Alice Kelly and sister-in-law, Eleanor Zachman.
Peterson Chapel of St. Michael is assisting the family.