Carol Gessler

Carol Elizabeth Gessler passed away on July 5th, 2015 at Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona, WI. "Beth" was born Dec. 20, 1931 in Madison, WI the sixth of seven children born to Vernon and Rose (Allen) Hurd. She lived at 2531 Chamberlain Ave. in Madison until she was five; they relocated several times in Madison before eventually settling on a 3.5 acre farm in Middleton, WI in 1947.  Beth attended Randall and Longfellow school's in Madison and graduated from Madison West High School in 1949. After high school she worked at General Casualty Insurance Co.  Beth met Russ Gessler in 1949 and they dated through the time that Russ was called back into the Marines during the Korean War.  Russ and Beth married in 1952 and lived in an apartment on Madison's east side before moving to an apartment on Old Middleton road. They then built their home, where they raised their three children, on a tract of land on Elmwood Ave. in Middleton, which was part of the farm owned by Beth's parents. Three of Beth's siblings also built houses on adjacent lots providing five houses in a row (including parents) along Elmwood Ave for Vernon and Rose's offspring and their combined 18 grandchildren. It was a unique neighborhood and environment. It was an experience the cousins have all appreciated as adults, and continue to benefit from, sharing a strong bond forged in their shared childhood.  While her children were young Beth was a loving and devoted homemaker who lived for her family. After her children were older Beth began working part-time as a proof-reader at Visual Education Consultants and eventually moved on to work in the library at Kromrey Middle School in Middleton. She worked there until retiring in 1994. During retirement Beth and Russ enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and at the lake up north.  Beth belonged to the "Daughters of the American Revolution", was active in St. Luke's Lutheran Church and helped raise funds for sports her children participated in. She enjoyed gardening, walking, skiing, dancing, playing cards with friends and especially spending time with her family.  Time with her children and grandchildren was special, attending their games and other activities. She also enjoyed hiking through many State and National Parks.  Beth is survived by her children: Susan Adler (Middleton, WI); Timothy Gessler and his wife Penelope (Madison, WI); Paul Gessler and his partner Stacy Camba (Moscow, ID). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kyle Adler and fiancé Sarah Haas (Sun Prairie, WI); Joshua Adler and friend Jenna Hanson (Middleton, WI); Nathaniel Gessler (Madison, WI), Kristen Stark and her husband Brian Stark and their son Brecken (DeForest WI); Alex Gessler (Madrid, Spain); Zachary Gessler (Minneapolis, MN); Travis Gessler (Moscow, ID); and Adriana Gessler (Flagstaff, AZ).  Beth is further survived by her sister Ruth Mier; sisters-in-law Mavis Hurd Fieber, Ethel Hurd, Esther Fortier; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Russell E. Gessler, in 2012; and a son-in-law Steven D. Adler (2002).  She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers John "Jack" Hurd; Robert (Hazel) Hurd; Richard Hurd; David Hurd, and sister Vernona (William) Linley.  In-laws; Arnie Mier, Jerome Fieber, Berton (Phyllis) Gessler, Vera Gessler, Robert (Lolaire) Gessler, Vernon (Mary) Gessler, Vera (Lee Damman), Beatrice (Danny) Jacobsen and Anita (Eugene) Olson. Beth's children and family would like to thank the exceptional care and compassion she received at Badger Prairie Health Care Center.  A celebration of Beth's life will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2015 with the Rev. Heather Lampert presiding. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Middleton Outreach Ministry, Alzheimer's Association, or Wisconsin Parkinson's Association. Thank you mother, for being such a lovely person and teaching us care and compassion. Sleep in heavenly peace.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com