Marian Elizabeth Kessler, 92, of Macomb, formerly of Vermont, died at 9:17 p.m. Aug. 24, 2009, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.Marian Elizabeth Kessler, 92, of Macomb, formerly of Vermont, died at 9:17 p.m. Aug. 24, 2009, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
She was born Sept. 1, 1916, in Oregon, Ill., the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Jane Mayo Bachman. She married Kenneth Cameron “Casey” Kessler on Dec. 28, 1940, in Maquoketa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 19, 1986.
She also was preceded in death by four brothers, Irwin, Lyndon, William and Donald Bachman.
Surviving are four children: Peggyann (and Dick Flanagan) Thorne of Summerfield, Fla., Max Kessler of Rockford, Beth (and Norm) Ricca of Peoria and Kathy (and John) Marshall of Ipava; one brother, Russell Bachman of Rockford; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
In 1946, her husband founded Ken-Ray Foundry in Vermont. They also operated Casey’s Recreation in Vermont for several years.
She was a member of Vermont Christian Church, Order of Eastern Star, Vermont American Legion Auxiliary and Decorative Painters Society. She supported special projects at VIT schools.
A celebration of her life will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. Friday at her church. Burial will be in Vermont Cemetery with Tim Gilliland officiating. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to her church or VIT School District to support special projects.
Condolences may be sent to www.dodsworthfh.com.