Merle Lester KESSLER

KESSLER, SAATOF, WESP, VOYNA

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/6/2011 at 19:09:12

December 20, 1923 -- May 3, 2011

OSAGE, IA - Merle Lester Kessler, 87, of Osage died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Merle was born Dec. 20, 1923, at Belmond, the son of Theodore and Alice (Saatof) Kessler. Most of his youth was spent on a farm south of Clear Lake near Thornton, with the family later moving to a farm south of Saratoga. He was educated in country schools. Merle married Hazel Irene Wesp on June 21, 1948, in New Hampton. Two daughters were born to this union, Linda Lou Kessler and Cathy Ann Kessler. They lived in Riceville for more than 50 years. Merle worked for CO-OP Oil, Dale's TV and Larry's TV. They moved to Osage in 2001. Merle was an accomplished musician, having started playing the guitar and singing at age 16. Cousin Merle and the Maple Leaf Cowboys played at many dances and area events. He made a commercial and recorded numerous records between 1967 and 1980 in Nashville, Tenn.

Private graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Merle is survived by his wife, Hazel Kessler of Osage; a sister, Sylvia Voyna, living in Arkansas; two brothers, Leonard of Lime Springs and Ervin of Riceville; and a sister-in-law, Viola Kessler of Meservey. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Cathy Ann; his daughter, Linda Lou in 2004; and nine sisters and brothers.

Mason City Globe Gazette - Iowa
May 6, 2011