Kenneth E. Kessler

Kenneth Kessler (that's Kessler like the whisky) age 60, passed away on 5 May, 2023, leaving a hole in the universe. He was born to Joanna (Michaud Kessler) Rheingans and Thomas Kessler on 3 September 1962 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After an exuberant young life, he launched his dedicated military career when he was accepted into the Air Force Academy at the age of 17. He retired as a Major in the Air Force in 2004 with a master's degree in education, and was actively pursuing his doctorate in education. His years as a project manager in the Air Force enabled him to turn science fiction into "science fact". He was a passionate leader who always supported his teams, and his presence made life better for those around him.

He met the love of his life in 1989, and wasted no time in marrying her. They raised six powerhouse children—titans to this day. He was, at times, "The Mr. Mom" who taught his kids to make pancakes before he taught them to make their own beds. As a father he was able to feed their diverse interests from his own personal experience and profound knowledge. Through adventure and ingenuity he showed them vistas beyond what they could have imagined for themselves, ones that they never could have known they needed.

Ken "Animal" Kessler was not limited by his circumstances. He laughed in the face of limitations. He touched uncountable lives, completely and constantly, uplifting individuals with his own buoyancy. His love burst forth in songs that were anthems he lived by. He was available for anyone at any time, for quandaries of any level. And to him, in that moment, you were the most important person in the world, empowered by him to apply your deepest passions to your biggest dreams. Everything he did, he did to the nth degree. This was one of his many superpowers. "Ken-do-Ken" acted as a cheerleader, mentor, and living guardian angel to many. Ken's love was defined by its depth and reach, impossible to quantify, contain or define. There are not enough words in the English dictionary to describe this man.

He is survived by his loving and grateful "better ¾ s", his eternally beloved wife, Tricia (Patricia Mould Kessler); his children Amanda, Joline (and husband Andy), Michael, Maggie, Kristin, and Tommy Kessler, and son-in-law Paul; five wonderful grandchildren who call him Grandpappy and another grandson who will join us in September; his mother Joanna and stepfather Thomas Rheingans; his brother Donald and wife Kathie; sister Carolyn and husband Richard; and a plethora of loving Kessler, Rushton, and Mould relatives. He is preceded in death by his father Thomas Kessler.

He was a loving father, devoted husband and passionate Grandpappy. He is truly missed here on earth, never to be forgotten. His soul will be prayed for continuously. Now he knows all the answers.

Public visitation to be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton Xenia Rd.) on Monday May 15, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke's Parish (1440 N. Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45432) on Tuesday May 16, 2023 at 10:30 am. Ken will be laid to rest at Dayton National Cemetery on Wednesday May 17, 2023 at 9:00 am.