Russell John Kessler

Russell John Kessler, 91, of Lewiston, MN, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at Lewiston Villa. Russ was born on April 1, 1915 in Lewiston, MN to John and Anna Kessler. Russell had a rewarding and fulfilling life. His hobbies included "coaching" baseball to a son who would not listen, golfing, bowling, coin and antique collecting and gardening. He was an extremely knowledgeable and avid fly fisherman and his favorite times were spent at Garvin Brook fishing and hiking with his grandchildren. After his time with various "CC" camps in northern Minnesota in 1939, Russ entered the U.S. Army in 1940. While on duty Russ earned many commendations, the most prominent was the Bronze Star for heroic actions during WWII. He returned to the Lewiston area at the end of the war in 1947 and started work at what is now the Lewiston Feed and Produce. In 1952 he married Mildred Mulholland of Lewiston. Russ retired from the Produce in 1980 and started painting houses with longtime friend, Myron Trader. At this time he was also an active volunteer with the Senior Citizens Center in Lewiston and the Meals on Wheels program within the community. Russ was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and Ev. Lutheran Church of America in Lewiston where he had served on the Board of Trustees and was the janitor for several years. He was also a 50 member of the American Legion and VFW of Lewiston, MN. Survivors include two sons, Russell (Kathy) Mulholland of Spring Valley, MN and Ryan (Ruth) Kessler of Glenwood, MN; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Hank) Kessler of Sauk Centre, MN; nephew, John Kessler; and niece Jessie Jacobsen. He will be sadly missed by all. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mildred.Funeral services are planned for Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:00am at St. Paul's UCC and ELCA Church in Lewiston with the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial will be in the Lewiston Public Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Hoff Funeral Homes ? Lewiston Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Please feel free to share a memory of Russ with the family or sign the online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com