Donald R. Kessel 1922-2009

JENSON, KESSEL, TRAFF, YANKEE, HUMMEL, GRUHN

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 3/7/2009 at 20:42:31

Donald R. Kessel

Donald R. Kessel, 86, of La Crosse, WI died Monday, February 2, 2009 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Thursday, February 5 at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, La Crosse, WI, with Pastor Corey Sateren officiating. Burial, with military honors, followed in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Donald was born in Waukon August 8, 1922 to Harry and Anna (Jensen) Kessel. He married Evelyn R. Traff April 3, 1946 in Waukon.

Don served with the Signal Corps in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star along with the Meritorious Unit Award and Good Conduct Medal for his service. Following his discharge, he worked at Northern Engraving in La Crosse, WI until the plant's closing. He then worked at the Trane Company until his retirement in 1985. Don was a member of the Trane Company 25 Year Club, Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52, and he was also a member of Bethany Evangelical Free Church for over 30 years.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and in his free time he loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed camping and spending time on the Mississippi River.

He is survived by Evelyn, his loving wife of 62 years; his daughter, Julie (David) Yankee, and their son, Jonathan, of Salem, WI; his son, Gary (Natalie) Kessel of Fredericksburg, VA, and their children, Jeff of New York, and Sam of West Salem, WI. He is further survived by two sisters, Alice Hummel of Chaska, MN and Lillian (Paul) Gruhn of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Harry (Eileen) Kessel, Jr. of Caledonia, MN and Francis (Lorraine) Kessel of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Waukon Standard, February 10, 2009
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