Edward Kesser

EDWARD KESSER

Cedar Rapids

Edward Kesser, 94, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at The Meth-Wick Community. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 23, at Frist Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be one hour before the service Monday at the church. Private entombment at Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Edward is survived by his loving wife, Leslie of Cedar Rapids; a son, Scott Kesser of Commerce City, Colo.; his daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Kaiser of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Christian May of Arlington, Va., and Yvonne May of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Ella Friesen of Bemidji, Minn.; sister-in-law, Barbara Witt of Culpeper, Va.; brother-in-law, James Marshall of Grand Rapids, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Edward was born on April 22, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Andrew and Wanda (Steinke) Kesser. In 1942, he graduated from high school in Cavalier, N.D. Edward received a B.A. in history and philosophy from Westmar College, LeMars, Iowa, in 1951, and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa in 1960. He worked for Link-Belt Speeder and then Kirkwood Community College for 24 years as a professor of mechanical engineering technology. Edward was united in marriage to Leslie (Witt) Kesser on June 20, 1952, in St. Clair, Minn.

Edward enjoyed gardening, baking, classical music, reading and woodworking. His woodworking included art carving, furniture and home renovations. Edward especially loved dipping hundreds of chocolates during the holiday season for family and friends. He began singing in choral groups at the age of 12 and continued singing in school, community and church choral groups for 75 years, including First Presbyterian Church.

Edward enjoyed monthlong family camping trips and his lake property in northern Minnesota. He especially loved his sail boat and pontoon. Edward was nurturing, innovative, honorable and loving. His family described him as a "man for all seasons."

Edward's family would like to extend many thanks to all nurses, friends and family who gave him support and showed him kindness. Also a special thanks to the staff and residents at The Meth-Wick Community.

Memorial donations may be directed to The Meth-Wick Community, 1224 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.