Raymond Kessler Obituary

Raymond A. Kessler

Raymond A. "Ray" Kessler, 84, of New Riegel, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.

He was born Oct. 5, 1939, in Burgoon, to Charles J. and Hazel B. (Williams) Kessler Sr. He married Lois Welborn on Sept. 30, 1961, at St. Boniface Church, New Riegel, and she survives in New Riegel.

Ray is also survived by four children, Sheila Rae Kessler of Wayne, Kenneth Charles Kessler of New Riegel, Kevin James Kessler of Morral, and Beth Ann (Brian) Robinson of Mt. Vernon; nine grandchildren, Shawn Kessler, Megan (Brett) Kramer, Lindsey (Creston) Kinley, Benjamin Robinson, Alex Robinson, Eric Kessler, McKenzie Kessler, Keith Robinson, and Ethan Kessler; six great-grandchildren; sister, Annabelle M. Hemminger of New Riegel; and special friend, Violet Courtney.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Teresa Mae Kessler; brothers, George, Charles Jr., Gerald, and twin brother Richard Kessler; and sisters, Martha Haubert, Rita Lafontaine, and Norma Jean Kessler (infant).

Ray was a life-long Seneca County farmer. He retired from Atlas Crankshaft, Fostoria, and also worked at National Machinery in Tiffin and Paul's Market New Riegel. He was a member of All Saints Parish, New Riegel American Legion, and Moose Lodge of New Riegel. He served in U.S. Army.

"Cool Ray" will be remembered for being one of the hardest workers anyone knew. He eagerly joined in projects with his kids from house building and remodeling, to yard work and mechanical repair. Ray was a lifelong hands-on farmer and truly loved anything to do with food from gardening to canning to cooking new recipes to share with everyone. Being the train engineer at the church social was a fun community service for Ray. In his rare down time, he liked to take trips, play euchre, and watch Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians (even getting to a World Series game for them). Grandpa Ray enjoyed spending time with his grandkids going fishing and proudly attending their ball games, music events, and graduations.

The Kessler tradition of creating unique vocabulary will be remembered with many laughs!

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at HOENING & SON FUNERAL HOME, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio, 44830.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at All Saints Church, New Riegel, with the Rev. Timothy Kummerer presiding. Additional visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery with military honors conducted by New Riegel American Legion. A luncheon will then take place at New Riegel American Legion.

Memorials are suggested to the Teresa Kessler Memorial Scholarship in care of the Tiffin Community Foundation, All Saints Parish, or charity of the donor's choice.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.