Benard A. Kessler

Benard “Ben” Kessler, 81, of Loraine, Illinois, passed away at 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. He was born on May 1, 1943, in Wendelin, Illinois, a son of Edwin and Helen (Kuenstler) Kessler. He married Martha Dhom on October 9, 1965, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 16, 2001. 

Ben graduated from Clay City High School. He then furthered his education at Southern Illinois University earning his bachelor’s degree in agriculture science and his master’s degree in economics. He retired from the USDA Farm Service Agency in 2005 and farmed. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Loraine Lions Club. He enjoyed collectables, dancing, and reading mystery novels. 

He loved spending time with his family and friends. Surviving are three daughters, Milicent (Mark) Dempsey of Fowler, Illinois, Ellen Ordonio of Kirksville, Missouri, Susan Kessler of Quincy, Illinois; three sons, Leland (Stephanie) Kessler of Deer River, Minnesota, Matthew (Kriya) Kessler of Okinawa, Japan, Luke (Steven Crays) Kessler of Indianapolis, Indiana; a special friend, Helga Mixer of Quincy, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Grant (Rachel) Dempsey, Gabriella (Jake) Bergman, Corrina (Cody Pezold) Ordonio, Cecilia (Bryce) Sherman, William Kessler, Sarah Kessler, Alexandria Juilfs, Franziska Kessler, McKenzie Kessler; his brothers, Hugh (Frances) Kessler and Carl Kessler; his sisters-in-law, Norma Kessler and Linda Dhom; and his brother-in-law Andrew Dhom. Many nieces, nephews, and other family members also survive. 

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Martha; five sisters, Erma (Melvin) Rauch, Elizabeth (Tom) Coan, Gertrude (Clifford) Rauch, Frieda Kessler, Carolyn (Robert) Frohning; two brothers, Paul (Mary) Kessler and Leonard Kessler; and sisters-in-law Judy Kessler, Sharon Dhom, Marilyn (Cletus) Zumbahlen, Rosella (Gerald) Hemrich, and brother-in law Ted Dhom. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church of Wendelin, Illinois. Fr. Steven Beatty will officiate. Interment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Wendelin. 

Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Mendon, Illinois. The rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, Illinois. 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Loraine Lions Club or to the Quincy Senior Center. You are invited to share memories of Ben and leave condolences for the family at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com 

Floral Tributes May Be Viewed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/benard-kessler