Ralph J Kessel 1903-1949

KESSEL, MESSER, SMITH, STAGG

Posted By: Cathy Labath (email)
Date: 1/28/2006 at 20:42:37

Newspaper Unknown
August 1, 1949

Last rites for Ralph J. Kessel, 46, well known Fairfield businessman who passed away suddenly yesterday [June 30, 1949], will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rev. Father O.F. DeCoursey will officiate, and burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at the Weston Behner funeral home at 8 p.m. this evening.

Mr. Kessel became ill last Sunday evening and was taken to the Jefferson county hospital early Tuesday morning where he passed away. His death was caused by uremic poisoning.

Although his condition was considered critical, his death yesterday at 1:30 p.m. was sudden and unexpected. His condition was reported as slightly improved yesterday morning.

He had owned and operated the Kessel Battery and Electric Shop in Fairfield for over 22 years. He had also worked in that line of business for three years prior to going into business for himself.

His present business is located on North Fourth street in the New Chicago area, but before moving there, it was located one block north of the square on Court street where the Young monument firm is now located.

Ralph J. Kessel was born June 1, 1903, in Fairfield, the son of Joseph H. and Anna Messer Kessel. He spent his entire life in this community and was educated in the local schools.

On April 26, 1927, he was united in marriage to Retha G. Smith at Fairfield. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic church and had served as treasurer of Center township schools for the past five years. The family home is located about a mile north of Fairfield on highway No. 1.

Besides his wife, Mr. Kessel is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Raymond L. Stagg, Kansas City, Missouri; Helen D. Kessel, Des Moines; and Vivian Kessel, at home.

He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna Kessel, Fairfield; and three brothers, Clarence of Fairfield, Victor of Kansas City, and Robert of Birmingham. His father preceded him in death.

[Ralph Kessel was my grandfather]

Kessel Descendants
 

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