KESSLER, Frank 1864-1942

KESSLER, GOOD, SINGLETON

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/4/2014 at 12:43:25

FRANK KESSLER

One by one the men and women of the older generation are passing away --- men and women of integrity and sprightness(sic), whose stability of character gave worth to Farmington in days gone by.

Such a man was Frank Kessler whose death occurred at his home Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, 1942 at 6:30 o’clock, at the age of seventy-eight years.

A life-long resident of Farmington, he will be greatly missed. He retired from business several years ago. About six years ago his health was impaired by illness from which he had greatly improved. To the last he was seen on the streets daily and thrice daily.

He liked people and was well-liked by others. He mingled with his friends, going uptown morning, afternoon and night regularly. Quiet and unassuming, he could fit in any group and was always a welcome addition. Never critical of his friends, he saw the best in them.

Frank Kessler, the son of Charles and Julia Good Kessler, was born March 9, 1864 in Farmington, Iowa and was one of five children. He was educated in the Farmington public schools. One of his early terms was attended in what is now know(sic) as the K. C. Hotel. His teacher there was Lizzie Walker.

His father died when he was eleven years old. He learned the trade of meat cutter, and worked for W. R. Thero, who afterward became his brother-in-law. When Mr. Thero left Farmington he continued the business for many years as owner and proprietor of the meat market.

On April 11, 1888 he was united in marriage with Miss Ana Singleton. Their home was established on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. There he lived from the day of his marriage until the end of life. It was a happy home and the center of delightful social affairs.

In his home he was kind, considerate and helpful, never tiring of doing the little things that gave pleasure to his wife. For years it has been his custom to go to the woods in autumn time and bring back great bunches of bittersweet, in such quantities that she was able to share generously with her friends.

He was a genial host and enjoyed sitting at the table surrounded by his guests. It is a pleasing thought to know that on his last Thanksgiving Day on earth, his only sister, Miss Laua(sic) Kessler, was a family guest.

Mr. and Mrs. Kessler celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on April, 1938.

He is gone but not forgotten. When a man has spent seventy-eight years in one town and naught but good is said about him, he has left a splendid record.

Beside(sic) his bereaved wife, he is survived by one brother, Alfred Kessler and one sister, Laura Kessler, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. from the St. Boniface church. Rev. P. V. Duggan said the mass, pronounced the absolutional and preached the sermon and was also in charge of the burial services at the cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe O’Brien, Sam Hartrick, S. O. Satterly, Guss Freed, Maurice Weishaar and Eletis Weishaar. Interment was in Farmington Cemetery.

Those attending the funeral from out of town were Wm. Singleton and wife of West Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tynan, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burge, Chicago, Mrs. G. L. Roland of Norman, Okla., and Mrs. Bertie Purcell of Des Moines.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 79