Richard Paul Kesl

RICHARD PAUL KESL

Waterloo

Richard Paul Kesl, 95, of Waterloo, died peacefully at Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born Aug. 21, 1922, on a farm near Elberon, Iowa. He was the son

of Fred and Agnes (Behounek) Kesl.

Richard was raised on the farm before moving into town. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 21. He fought in World War II, 242 Rainbow Division Company M. Before embarking on his three-year time in war, he eloped with his beloved Addie (Adeline Vajgrt) on Aug. 28, 1944, in Muskogee, Okla. After returning from war, Richard continued his engineering degree, which he had started in Germany, at Chicago Technical School. Upon graduation, Richard and Adeline moved to Waterloo, Iowa, which was their home for 59 years. Richard was an engineer for John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, for 35 years. After retirement, Richard and Adeline spent their winters in Phoenix, Ariz.

He enjoyed playing golf, table tennis, and in his later years he loved to play bingo. You also could find Richard in a boat fishing on some of his favorite lakes.

Richard is survived by his children, Linda (Arlyn) Sievert of Kentwood, Mich., Susan (Craig) Cooper of Davenport, Iowa, Lyle (Barb) Kesl of Kelley, Iowa, and Carol Kesl of Marion, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Craig Ryan (Wendy) Cooper, Mitch (Tiffany) Cooper, Justin (Jessica) Sievert and Kayla (Lee) Kesl; eight great-grandchildren, Jasmyn Cooper, Shayla Cooper, Chase Cooper, Madie Cooper, Lauryn Weston, Jackson Sievert, Owen Cooper and Mason Sievert.

Richard's love and dedication for his family were unwavering.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; his in-laws; and his brother, Russell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hiawatha Care Center for their loving care during Richard's last two years of life.

Memorials may be directed to Hiawatha Care Center Activity Program.

A family-directed Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Lowe Park Arts and Environmental Center, 4500 N. 10th St., Marion. Family will receive friends from 3:30 p.m. until service time at Lowe Park. A private family burial will be held in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo.

Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel is in charge of local arrangements, (319) 233-3146. Online condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.