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Kessler, Don L.
Don L. Kessler, 69, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in West Branch.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in West Branch. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial will be at St. Bridget's Cemetery at Nolan Settlement. A memorial fund has been established to benefit the community of West Branch. Online condolences may be made to the family at .
Don was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Iowa City, the son of James and Hilda Meiers Kessler. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1961. As a senior in high school Don ran the family farm and was the head of the house for his four younger siblings, after his parents had passed away. Don then worked for Culligan in Iowa City for a number of years. He was then employed with City Electric in Iowa City and retired in 2008 after working there for 33 years. Don was a member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church and the C.A.V.E. Club in West Branch.
Don was currently serving as the mayor of West Branch, having won the election in November of 2009. He also served on the West Branch School Board from 1994-1997. Having lived in West Branch his whole life, Don was very passionate about the health and vitality of the community of West Branch. He was active in youth sports in West Branch since before his children were involved. He loved being a dad but his grandchildren especially lit up his heart.
He is survived by his daughter, Traci (Bill) Phillips, and grandson, Trey, of Cincinnati, Ohio; son, Jayme (Maria) Kessler, and grandchildren, Austin, Luke, and one on the way, of San Clemente, Calif.; and son, Cory (Angela) Kessler, and grandchildren, Coleman and Courtney of West Branch. He is also survived by his sister, Karlyn Kessler-Piatt, brother, Larry (Bev) Kessler, and sister, Marilyn (Rudy) Thurston, all of Tipton; along with many special nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; sister-in-law, Diane; brother-in-law, Duke; and his very special companion, Chubby the dog.
Published Feb. 27, 2013 in The Gazette
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