Kessell, Andy

Andy Kessell, 58, soul mate, dad and good friend, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, doing what he loved, duck hunting with his constant companion Nik, his black lab. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. David A. Young. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery.

Born in Cedar Rapids, on Oct. 20, 1952, he was the oldest son of Ray and Dee Kessell.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kris Kessell; his son, Kyle of Aurora, Ill.; his daughter, Nichol Kessell, and youngest son, Jake, and his wife, Jackie, of Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are his sister, Becky Orcutt; his brother, Matthew Kessell and his husband Michael Nielsen; brothers-in-law, Mike McCauley, David (Robyn) McCauley and Bill (Kathy) McCauley; and sister-in-law, Patsy (Tom) Smith. Andy also had many nieces and nephews who adored him and his fireworks antics.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Jean McCauley; and brother-in-law, Rusty Orcutt.

Andy graduated from Jefferson High School in 1970 and held many diving records. As a champion pole vaulter, he graduated from Iowa State.

An avid golfer and bowler, Andy had several 300 games and too many 298s. He was one with nature. Weekends spent at the cabin in Delhi with family and friends and a good margarita were some of his favorite times. Fishing trips to Canada with the Monticello crew and Friday night bonfires ranked right up there with a NASCAR weekend in Joliet.

Andy worked for the City of Cedar Rapids in the streets and forestry departments for 21 years. He enjoyed his wife and family's company while doing tree work for his company “Stump Hunters.”

He was proud of his family and loved them deeply. His humor and strength will be greatly missed. He has left this world a better place, full of laughter, love and memories.

Please sign the online guest book for Andy at  under obituaries.

Published Sept. 22, 2011, in The Gazette