H. Kessler Obituary

Kessler, H. Richard

H. Richard "Dick" Kessler passed away at home on October 29, 2024, just 15 days after his wife and love of his life, Ellen, became an angel in heaven. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 30, 1932, to Kasper and Katherine (Stuckmann) Kessler, Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Dick was united in marriage to Ellen Baldwin on April 26, 1952, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, Illinois. They resided in Lake Forest until they moved to Antioch in 1960 where they raised their six children and became very active in the community.

Dick dedicated over 42 years to Abbott Laboratories in Corporate Engineering and earned his MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. Dick was an avid sports enthusiast, excelling in athletics in high school and continuing to play at Abbott Labs. He was also very involved with the Abbott Anglers Club.

His love for sports extended to his community, where he was involved in the Antioch Little League program. It was here that he discovered his passion for officiating, which led him to umpire softball and baseball and referee football, basketball, and volleyball, officiating both girls and boys sports at levels from grade school to college. Dick was honored with a Lifetime Membership by the Northern Illinois Association in 1997 and received the Northern Officials Association Basketball Official of the Year Award in 1986-1987. In 2007, he was inducted into the Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame. Passionate about mentoring youth, Dick left a lasting impression on many young lives.

In retirement, Dick and Ellen loved to golf and spent many winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. They loved to travel, especially cruising the Caribbean. Dick was a devoted supporter of his children's and grandchildren's activities, attending countless sporting events, choir concerts, school graduations, plays, etc.

Dick is survived by his children: Donna Marshall, Laura Kessler Becker, Marla (Dale) Rimkus, Dick (Pam) Kessler, Sandra (Bill) Moss, and Peter (Christi) Kessler. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Michael (Mariah) Outinen, Laura (Ryan) Balsewich, Katie (Mike) Rice, Adam Kessler, Eric (Becky) Kessler, Kevin (Kyle) Outinen, Matt (Sarah) Outinen, Sarah (Jake) Appolloni, Jack (Sam) Marshall, Ryan (Chrissy) Kessler, Emily (Tyler) Raymaker, Milena Kessler, Aiden Kessler, Sarah (Ryan) Crothers, and Nate (Ashley) Rimkus, who lovingly call him Grandpa.

Dick was immensely proud of his 26 great-grandchildren: Lila, Ellie, Lizzie, Miina, TJ, Ethan, Mya, Isla, Annie, Chloe, Emmy, Jack, Courtney, Carter, Zoe, Isabella, Alexandra, Jae, Brady, Eli, Matt, Kieran, Nolan, Leo, Henry and a new great grandson on the way, who love him as Great Grandpa.

He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Katy Miller and Penny (Ron) Graw. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellen, parents-in-law Matt and Catherine Baldwin, grandfather Herman Stuckmann, sister Carol Ann (Ken) Hebble, and brothers Ron and Jim Kessler.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with Sharing and Remembrances to commence at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main St., Antioch, IL 60002. For additional information, call 847-395-4000. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Antioch Youth Local League "AYLL" Baseball and Softball, P.O. Box 430, Antioch, IL 60002. All are welcome to sign the online guestbook for Dick at www.strangfh.com.

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