Dean Edward Kessler (79) of Strasburg

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 1, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg with Pastor Steve Neville officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home by Jackson Masonic Lodge #53 of Shelbyville. Burial will be in Stewardson Cemetery with military rites by the Strasburg American Legion Post #289. Casual attire is requested. Memorials may be given to the Strasburg Fire Department.  Online condolences may be left by clicking here.

Dean was born July 1, 1942 in Stewardson, the son of Charles and Mabel (Roley) Kessler. He graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in the Class of 1960. Dean then served in the United States Army Reserves. Dean married Connie Lehr Mercer December 18, 1982 in Ramsey. He worked for 23 years in the maintenance department at International Paper until his retirement in 2006.  Previously, Dean was a grain farmer and raised hogs on his farm near Stewardson.  He also drove a semi for Moomaw and Jones Trucking both in Stewardson. Dean was a member of Jackson Mason Lodge #53 of Shelbyville, Ansar Shrine in Springfield and the Shelby County Pork Producers. He enjoyed anything Ford, driving Jeeps in Colorado, and collecting replicas of International Tractors. Dean was active in helping establish the Veterans Memorial in Strasburg. 

Dean is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Jason Kessler (Tynia) of Strasburg; daughter, Lori Gaines (Doug) of Warden; step-son, William Mercer (Susan) of Shelbyville; step-daughter, Stacey Jones (Danny) of Cowden; five grandchildren, Keegan, Kaylee, Conner, Ted and Christian and five step- grandchildren, Brandie, Rachel, Bailey, Logan and Clayton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dwight Kessler (Juanita); and sister, Evelyn Reel (Ervin).