Martha "Marty" Kessel

Martha Louise Kessel was born February 11, 1943, the daughter of Steven and Bertha Flanagan. She died Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa at the age of seventy-three.
Marty, as she was known, was born in Alliance, Nebraska, where she received her early education. She was baptized in Christ as an adult in Kiron, Iowa. She was the proud mother of eight children whom she loved and cared for deeply. She also helped raising her grandchildren. She taught her children life skills that included cooking, her specialty being home made noodles. Marty was a kind and loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed many family gatherings throughout the years.
Of the many jobs she performed in her life, she was most fond of her work at the Job Corps, a position she started in the 90's. Her leisure time could find her caring for her many pets and other stray animals or watching soap operas that included, the Young and the Restles, All of My Children, One Life to Live or General Hospital. She loved and enjoyed her family and would always be interested in playing a board game with them. Working crossword puzzles, cross stitching and needle point and making sun tea would occupy the time she didn’t spend caring for her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Kessel; one daughter, Stacy Babe Wulf; one step-daughter, Darla Gray. Survivors include one daughter, Miranda and special friend Justin; six sons: Dan and his wife, Deb; Steve and his wife, Julie; Russ and his wife, Cathy; Gary; Tony and his wife, Cathy; and Chris and special friend, Flo; one step-son, David; thirteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.