Stephen J. Kessler
January 24, 1945 - June 03, 2021
Obituary
WAUNAKEE - Stephen Joseph Kessler, age 76, of Waunakee, passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Waunakee Manor. He was born on Jan. 24, 1945, in Queens, N.Y., the son of Melvin and Mildred (Cohen) Kessler.
Stephen spent his childhood in New York, and he joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he moved to the Madison area and began work as a Trust Fund Spec for the State of Wisconsin. Stephen loved to travel all over the world and had a love of music, singing in bands and doing karaoke. He enjoyed sports and followed the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. He remained very proud of his New York heritage throughout his life and made sure to tell people that. Most of all, his family was his pride and joy and his greatest accomplishment in life was his kids.
Stephen is survived by his children, Elise (Jason) McFarlane, Florica Kessler, Michael (Justine) Kessler, Christian Kessler and Peter Kessler; grandchildren, Abigail McFarlane, Anna McFarlane and Natalie Kessler; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Jessica Kessler; special friend, Kay Taube; and special friend, Karen Goldamer.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Burial will be held at Middleton Junction Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service on Thursday.
Memorials may be made in Stephen’s name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Thu Jul 8, 2021 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Memorial Service
Thu Jul 8, 2021 @ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
No photos of Stephen have been shared yet.
Memories
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Linda Bollig
Other •
We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. We were such good friends of Steve and Jessica while we lived in Verona. Had many a good cup of coffee and conversation at the Kessler home. So many good memories of your family. Our condolences to you all. We are unable to come to the funeral on Thursday. We will be out of town. May God comfort you. Prayers and love, Dennis and Linda Bollig.
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Karen Pautzke
Other •
I met your dad a few times and thought he was a great person. Knowing how you kids have turned out shows what a great dad he was. Also I had friends who bragged about how he was at work. They had an opportunity to have him help them with retirement. They could not say enough about how good he was. We are so sorry for all of yours loss. Karen Pautzke
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Roger Fletcher
Other •
I worked with Steve for many years at ETF. He had a huge personality and brought a lot of humor to the job. He will be remembered for many things including his kindness to his co-workers and some great, creative songs he would write and sing to those who were retiring. I am sorry for your loss.
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Sarah Alt
Other •
This breaks my heart. I have so many fond memories of Steve. I was his home cleaner for several years. He was such a kind hearted man. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Sarah Alt
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Fred Milverstedt
Other •
I served with Steve in the Navy--USS Iwo Jima, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962--knew him later in Madison when he settled there. Good man, good voice, good sense of humor. Good knowing you, Steve.