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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Benjamin Kesselring
BENJAMIN LLOYD KESSELRING
Cedar Rapids
Benjamin Lloyd Kesselring, 78, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, surrounded by his family. Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Benjamin was born Oct. 25, 1940, the son of Melvin and Dorothy (Wright) Kesselring in Cedar Rapids. In his younger years, he participated in boxing. In 1967, Benjamin married Janice Hunter. They later divorced, but remained good friends until her passing in 2012.
Benjamin was employed by Polenas Meat Market and then began a long career with Quaker Oats until his retirement. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was always generous to those in need. He had a great love for his Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears and the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Benjamin also enjoyed watching the stock car races at Hawkeye Downs. He liked watching Western movies and listening to country music. Benjamin loved to travel with his family and was always ready for an adventure.
Benjamin was truly a selfless individual, always putting others ahead of himself. Everyone who knew him was blessed to have him in their lives. He was like a rainbow, something you don't see often, but when you do it makes you smile. Benjamin always had a genuine greeting for those he met, "How ya doing, buddy?"
Survivors include his five daughters, Shawn (David) Nash of Greenville, Texas, Tanya Mundorf of Hiawatha, Brigot (Robert) Vertz of Marion, TiShannon Kesselring of Cedar Rapids and Heather Kesselring Hoxsey of Larkin Heights, Texas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Melvin; two sisters, Grace and Linda; and several other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to those who worked on his behalf, the entire staff at the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit at St. Luke's, and the pulmonary unit doctors, nurses and staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a local food pantry in memory of Benjamin.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
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