Marvin Kessler

COAL CITY—Marvin H. Kessler, 90, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Wednesday Oct. 4, 2017 at his home.
Born June 25, 1927, Marvin Henry was the son of Henry Gaston and Minnie (Pomatto) Kessler. He was raised in Coal City and graduated with the Coal City High School Class of 1945. Following graduation, Marvin entered the United States Navy, where he went on to honorably serve in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following his honorable discharge, Marvin continued his education at Illinois State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and later attained his Master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
On June 12, 1948, Marvin married Helen Marjorie Durkee in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, and together they made their home and raised their family in Coal City. His career began working at Caterpillar Tractor Co., before taking a teaching position at Gardner South Wilmington High School. Marvin later gained employment with the Wilmington Public Schools, where he taught Industrial Arts and Coached Basketball and Baseball. He retired as the Principal of Wilmington High School in 1989, after 21 years of service to the district.
Marvin was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, belonged to the Coal City V.F.W. St. Juvin Post 1336, and in past years was active with the Rotary Club of Wilmington, where he was a past President. In his free time, Marvin enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing, as well as playing pinochle.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 69 years, Helen; five children: Ronald (Kathy) Kessler and Patricia Wharrie, both of Coal City, Carol (Terry) Wills of Carbon Hill, Mike Kessler and Cathy Schachtschneider both of Coal City; nine grandchildren: Carla (David) Thompson and Stephanie Kessler, both of Coal City, Joseph (Amy) Kessler of Ohio, Ann Bell of Diamond, Ellen (Corey) Kendrick of Michigan, Carrie Onsen of Diamond, Kristin Wills of Coal City,  Kyle (Lisa) Schachtschneider of Chicago and Timothy Schachtschneider of Bloomington, Illinois; (12) great grandchildren: Leanna, Abbey,  Carson, Helen, Meghan, Millie, Will, James, Isabelle, Louden, Ellis, and Arlo; and life-long friend Robert (Bob) Newberry.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law William Wharrie.
The family will receive friends at Assumption Parish, Berst Center, 150 S. Kankakee St. in Coal City, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 from 9 a.m. until time of funeral service 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Robert Noesen presiding.
Burial with military honors will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.
Marvin’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Marvin’s memory to Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund, 195 S. Kankakee St., Coal City, IL 60416 or to Joliet Area Community Hospice
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Marvin’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.