Bernard Charles Kessel

Bernard C. "Bernie" Kessel, age 78, of Amboy, died February 15, 2015, in the same home he was born in surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was born September 1, 1936, in Amboy, the son of William T. and Mildred M. (Conderman) Kessel. Bernie was a farmer from 1960-1982. He was also the Road Commissioner for Amboy Township, worked for Allied Locke for 20 years, and retired from Maplehurst Farms in 2012 at the age of 75. Bernie was a very kind, humble, and loving man. While he was often known for his desire to selflessly help others, he will be remembered for his quick humor and occasional orneryness. Bernie's passions included mowing, being a handyman, and finding the smallest tasks and projects to work on. He enjoyed volunteering at Teen Turf and was very dedicated to his faith. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy; the Amboy American Legion; and was a very loyal Chicago Bears Fan. Bernard was a Sergeant in the Army from 1955-1956. He married Frances Haley at St. Patrick's Church in Amboy on March 26, 1960. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Amanda Jo, and son-in-law Brian Cheshier. Survivors include his wife; 5 children Angela (Jack) O'Callaghan of Bartlett, Amy (Jeff) Reed of Amboy, Michele Cheshier of Rock Falls, Michael (Patti) Kessel of Littleton, and Danette (David) Trupp of Elgin; 11 grandchildren Ashley (Jeffrey) Bryant, Abigail Thomas, Katie and Jared Trupp, Alyssa, Josh, Levi, and Alexandra Kessel, Haley, Christine, and Catherine Cheshier; 1 step-grandchild Mike Reed; 1 great-granddaughter Everly Bryant; 1 brother William C. (Joan) Kessel of Amboy; 2 sisters Aleta (Fred) Faber of LaMoille, and Betty Payne of Walnut. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 10:30 AM in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Bales, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy with Military Honors by the Amboy American Legion. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with the Rosary recited at 7:30 PM in the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy, and also on Saturday, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Teen Turf in Amboy, Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, and the Amboy Fire Dept.

Bernard Charles Kessel

September 1, 1936 - February 15, 2015