Gilbert Leo Kessenich

Kessenich, Gilbert L. DEERFIELD–Gilbert L. Kessenich, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. He was born on Jan. 29, 1925, in Longwood, Wis., the son of Peter and Edith (Ehlert) Kessenich. Gilbert served in the U.S. Navy. On May 9, 1953, he married Evelyn Krakow. Gilbert was a diesel and heavy equipment mechanic for many years and a member of Operating Engineers, Local No. 139. He was also a farmer, raising Herford cows, tobacco, corn and soybeans. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Daniel (Jeanne), Randall (Karen), and Tamara (Gerald) Pooch; grandchildren, Teresa (Joe) Gaspard, Todd (Alison) Kessenich, Katie (Dan) Schwab, Joseph Kessenich, Anne Kessenich, Crista Pooch, Scott (Megan) Pooch, Karl (Erica) Pooch; and Tyson Pooch; great-grandchildren, Greer and Laken Gaspard, Jackson, Lucas, and Stella Schwab, Audrey, Nolan, and Liam Kessenich, Oliver, and Neal Pooch; and sisters, Joan (Don) Kirner, and Margaret (Kay) Rasmussen. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Florence (Mac); and brothers, John (Norma), and Arnold (Harriet). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 North Main Street, Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, with Father Steve Petrica presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with full military honors. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Agrace HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420