Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Kessler passed away peacefully at Hospice Family Care on October 23, 2023. Jerry was born in Lancaster, Ohio on August 11, 1936 to Lydia Christine Moyer Kessler and Thomas Anthony Kessler.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Liguori Mooney Kessler, his parents, his sisters, Sister Rose Regina Kessler and Gloria Kessler Brehm, and grandsons, Michael and David Weaver.
Jerry is survived by his brother, Bill Kessler, and sister, Betty Jane Bingham; eight children, Steve (Renee), Mary Kay Martin (Steve), Chris, Patti Henry (Myron), Marty (Becky), Karen Weaver (Andy), Kevin (Joy), Bill (Kelly); fourteen grandchildren, Amy Kilgore Lantz (Chris), Jake Kessler (Aisha), Sam Kessler (Rachel), Matthew Kessler, Ben Kessler, Lindsey Kessler, Ryan Kessler, Corbett Kessler (Caitlyn), Chloe Kessler Duke (Austin), Austin Weaver, Luke Weaver,
Katie Kessler, Will Kessler, and Magen Henry; five great grandchildren, Cooper Lantz, Walker Lantz, Porter Lantz, Nico Kessler, and Keller Kessler.
Jerry moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1959 and became a cartographer who surveyed and mapped the growing Huntsville area with his company, Atlantic Aerial Survey.
Jerry was a founding member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. He was a member of the Men’s Club and held numerous fundraising events to help the church to grow.
Jerry had a love for sports, music, and ice cream. Jerry’s love of sports began with listening to the Cleveland Indians on the radio with his mother. He lettered in basketball at his Alma Mater, St. Mary’s in Lancaster. He was Coach Kessler to many young people who played baseball and basketball. Jerry was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan!
Jerry’s love of music began with the Glee Club at St. Mary’s. He went on to join a barbershop choir and quartet after moving to Huntsville. He was a member of the church choir and was a cantor for over twenty-five years. Marty Robbins and the Gaithers were among his many favorite performers. He loved to play the harmonica and learned to play the pan flute in the last couple of years. At Regency Retirement Village, he hosted “Karaoke with Jerry” events.
Jerry had a great love of ice cream. When asked where he wanted to go to eat, he always said “Some place that has ice cream.” He never had less than three tubs of ice cream in his freezer!
Visitation will be held at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:00-11:30. A Rosary Service will be at 11:30. The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00.
Inurnment will be held on a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Regency Retirement Village for enriching Dad’s life these past three years, Huntsville Hospital doctors and nurses for caring for him, and Hospice Family Care for ensuring that his remaining days were peaceful.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church Building Fund or Hospice Family Care and treat your family to some ice cream!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Kessler family.
