Lanus P. Kessler 1854-1936

KESSLER, ELDEEN, MOORE, SHAFFER, ADAMS

Posted By: Mary Hitchcock (email)
Date: 8/2/2008 at 13:18:23

Iowa City Press Citizen, October 3, 1936.

Death takes L.P. Kessler

Was Prominent Member of Masonic Lodge in Iowa City

Funeral Services for Mr. Lanus P. Kessler, 82, one of the most prominent members of the Masonic Lodge in Iowa City, were held this afternoon at the Oathout funeral chapel. Mr. Kessler passed away suddenly at his home north of here about 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

Dr. Charles A. Hawley of the school of religion at the University of Iowa was in charge of the service, with officers of the Iowa City Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M. serving as pallbearers, and a commandery escort participating in the Masonic service at Oakland cemetery.

Mr. Kessler was past master of Iowa City lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M.; past high priest of Royal Arch Masons; past illustrious master of Swafford Council No. 28; past commander of Palestine Templar; 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, K. C. C. H.: member of Kaaba temple, Order of Mystic Shrine; past patron of Eastern Star; and member of White Shrine.

He was born in Zanesville, OH on March 17, 1854, and came to Big Grove township with his parents when he was three years old. In 1878 he moved to Audubon, residing there for 13 years, until he returned 45 years ago to make his home in Johnson county, residing for many years at his home on the Solon road, route No. 7. He was married on February 2, 1881 to Jessie A. Conklin at Solon.

Besides his widow he is survived by two daughters, Lola D. Kessler and Mrs. Onie K. Strub; two grandchildren, Donald I. Kessler and Mrs. Romola T. Eldeen; three sisters, Mrs. Jennie Moore and Mrs. Anna Shaffer, both of Iowa City, and Mrs. Fannie Adams of Alburnett; a brother, Mr. Lewis Kessler; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers at this afternoon’s service were Mr. Clinton Smoke, worshipful master, Mr. Warren Norris, Dr. W. E. Spence, Dr. Ray Smith, Mr. F.M. Pauley and Mr. B. V. Bridenstine.