My grandpa, Graden Kessler, passed away on Thursday. Although it wasn't entirely unexpected, it's a difficult time for all of us in the family. My Aunt Darla wrote what is listed below, originally as an obituary, but now will be used as a tribute at the service. Her beautiful words are so fitting at this time, and I appreciate her agreeing to let me post them.
As a side note, I never knew until I read this that my grandpa spelled his last name differently than his parents. No one is quite sure why or when that started, but it's a little bit of family history that I didn't know.
Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
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Graden C. Kessler, 87, passed away peacefully, July 24, 2008, with family members by his side.
Born September 22 in Benton PA, he was the son of Wilbert and Edith Charles Kesler. He married Jean M. Beagle, and they celebrated their 66th anniversary with cake at their most recent residence, Maple Oaks AFC, Webberville.
Graden is survived by his wife, Jean, daughter Shirley (Glenn) Stanley, son Larry (Vickie), daughter Darla Miller (John Knowles), and enjoyed the company of granddaughters Lori (Randy) Willett, Lisa (Dave) Conner, Heidi Miles, grandsons Daniel and Nicholas Kessler, great-grand daughter, Kelsey Conner, and son-in-law Kenneth Miles. Daughter Donna Miles preceded him in death in 2007.
During his lifetime, Graden worked as a lumberjack, blacksmith, and farmer before retiring as a custodian for the Pinckney School System.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Many times in early years he relied on his hunting skills to feed his family. He especially enjoyed rabbit hunting and being in the company of not only the outdoors, but his several hunting dogs. One life highlight was when he traveled to Northern Michigan bear hunting with his son and hunting buddies. He did bring home the bear he went after.
He loved the earth and most summers had 2-3 gardens growing. In the fall he sold pumpkins.
Another lifetime moment came at the age of 78 when he took his one and only plane trip to Florida. The flight was exciting, and he was fascinated by the Palm trees and enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine and fresh fruit.
Graden did not ask a lot from life. He enjoyed large family meals with a good piece of pie for dessert. He believed in God and helped build the Galilean Baptist Church, Portage Lake. He picked professions that were particularly difficult physically and did them without complaint whether sick, hurt, or just plain tired. In the 15 years he worked for the Pinckney School System, he missed only 1-1/2 days due to illness.
A private memorial service will be presented at a later date. His family would like to thank Heartland Hospice of Mason for their excellent care and concern during Graden’s difficult days. Contributions to Heartland Hospice of Mason, in honor of Graden Kessler, may be sent to 865 S. Cedar Street, Mason, MI 48854.
Born September 22 in Benton PA, he was the son of Wilbert and Edith Charles Kesler. He married Jean M. Beagle, and they celebrated their 66th anniversary with cake at their most recent residence, Maple Oaks AFC, Webberville.
Graden is survived by his wife, Jean, daughter Shirley (Glenn) Stanley, son Larry (Vickie), daughter Darla Miller (John Knowles), and enjoyed the company of granddaughters Lori (Randy) Willett, Lisa (Dave) Conner, Heidi Miles, grandsons Daniel and Nicholas Kessler, great-grand daughter, Kelsey Conner, and son-in-law Kenneth Miles. Daughter Donna Miles preceded him in death in 2007.
During his lifetime, Graden worked as a lumberjack, blacksmith, and farmer before retiring as a custodian for the Pinckney School System.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Many times in early years he relied on his hunting skills to feed his family. He especially enjoyed rabbit hunting and being in the company of not only the outdoors, but his several hunting dogs. One life highlight was when he traveled to Northern Michigan bear hunting with his son and hunting buddies. He did bring home the bear he went after.
He loved the earth and most summers had 2-3 gardens growing. In the fall he sold pumpkins.
Another lifetime moment came at the age of 78 when he took his one and only plane trip to Florida. The flight was exciting, and he was fascinated by the Palm trees and enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine and fresh fruit.
Graden did not ask a lot from life. He enjoyed large family meals with a good piece of pie for dessert. He believed in God and helped build the Galilean Baptist Church, Portage Lake. He picked professions that were particularly difficult physically and did them without complaint whether sick, hurt, or just plain tired. In the 15 years he worked for the Pinckney School System, he missed only 1-1/2 days due to illness.
A private memorial service will be presented at a later date. His family would like to thank Heartland Hospice of Mason for their excellent care and concern during Graden’s difficult days. Contributions to Heartland Hospice of Mason, in honor of Graden Kessler, may be sent to 865 S. Cedar Street, Mason, MI 48854.
2 comments:
What a beautiful tribute.
Much love to you Lori and to your family.
Carol
Thank you for posting this Lori
Aunt Vickie
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