Dennis Garner Kessler, 79, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 at his home in Charleston, Ill.
He was born Aug. 22, 1940 in La Porte, Ind. to Glen and Mary (Garner) Kessler.
Dennis was a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and graduated from Murray State College. He attended New Mercy Worship Center. For many years Dennis volunteered at various nursing homes, offering his guitar playing and singing for worship services. He joined in sing-a-longs that have been a Kessler family tradition for decades. His gregarious personality and sense of humor enlivened every occasion, and he kept his upbeat attitude toward others even as his health failed. He put his family first and foremost in whatever he did.
On Feb. 26, 1983 in Westminster, Colo. he married Joyce Erlene ODell, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Melissa (Brion) Guzzino, Erlene (Kris) Grosso, Morgen (William) Kessler, Xavier (Cassie) Kessler, all of Colorado, and Teresa (Scott) De Lucero of Florida and Kenneth (Diane) Freeland of Indiana; siblings, Patricia Kessler of Alabama, Thomas (Patricia) Kessler and David (Julie) Kessler, both of Indiana, and Gene (Dianne) Kessler of Virginia; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Harper-Swickard Funeral Home handled the arrangements for the funeral held Aug. 22 in Charleston, Ill.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.