Leonard Kessler, 82, of Ingraham, Illinois, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital.
Leonard was born May 29, 1941 in Clay County, Illinois, the son of Edwin and Helen (Kuenstler) Kessler. He married Norma Bahl on July 11, 1967 at St. Joseph Church in Stringtown, and she survives.
Leonard “Ace” grew up in rural Wendelin on a farm in a large family. As a child, he enjoyed playing outdoor sports and getting into trouble with his brothers. He was a Clay City High School graduate of 1960 and was a lifelong farmer. As an adult, he enjoyed slow and fast pitch softball at the Wendelin ball diamond, along with pitching horseshoes. His love of sports continued as a parent as he could often be seen playing with his kids and rarely missed any event. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and activities. He was dedicated farmer, and he could often be seen on his 4020 loader tractor. His farm and his family were his life
Leonard is survived by his wife; children, Beverly (Michael) Beck, Myron Kessler, Brenda (Scott) Plocher, Rita (Jonathan) Lakamp, Janet (Ryan) Meyers, and Helen (Zachary) Weber; grandchildren, Natasha (Beck) Jolin, Brianna (Beck) Stamm, Lexie and Kirsten Plocher, Danny, Jared, and Lauren Lakamp, Ava and Ashlynn Meyers, Leo, Jacob, Adam, Curtis, and Jack Weber; great grandchildren, Nora and Ian Jolin and Bradley and Colt Stamm; brothers, Carl Kessler, Ben Kessler, and Hugh (Frances) Kessler, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Erma (Melvin) Rauch, Elizabeth (Tom) Coan, Gertrude (Clifford) Rauch, Frieda Kessler and Carolyn (Robert) Frohning; brother, Paul (Mary) Kessler; sisters-in-law, Judy (Carl) Kessler and Martha (Ben) Kessler.
A visitation will be held on November 17, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Clay County Support Group.
