Robert D Kessel

Robert Dean Kessel was born August 18, 1940, the son of Joseph and Hilda Kessel. He died at his home in Deloit Monday, November 2, 2015 at the age of seventy-five.
Robert was born on a farm near Denison, Iowa. He received his early education in the Moorhead Community Schools while living with his aunt and uncle. After completing his education, he served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps May 31, 1958. While in the Marine Corps, he worked as a Radiotelephone Operator with the Shore Fire Control Specialty. He was transferred to the Naval Amphibious Base in San Diego where he received his honorable discharge May 30, 1961.
After completing his military duties, he returned to Iowa and helped with the constuction of IBP. He continued working at IBP and Builders Lumber. He was a mechanic and truck driver for Midcontinent Trucking and Diamond F Trucking in Denison. After his retirement, he worked for Ballantine Farms in Kiron and was currently serving as a Deloit City Councilman, a position he held for several years.
He enjoyed target shooting and was a member of the Shooting Club in Denison, winning many awards for his accurate shooting. He occupied much of his time working around the house doing shop work and fixing equipment in the garage. His leisure time included bowling, fishing trips, socializing with family and friends over a diet Pepsi. He also enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, cutting and splitting wood. Visits from his grandchildren were special to him and he enjoyed watching cartoons and westerns on TV and listening to country music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Darla; one brother Richard; one sister Joann; and his step-daughter, Stacy. Survivors include: his wife, Martha; one son, David and his wife Kim; a daughter Miranda and special friend Justin; step-children: Steve and wife, Julie; Russ and his wife, Cathy; Gary; Tony and his wife, Cathy ; Chris and his special friend Flo; Dan and his wife, Deb; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister Susan and her friend Carroll; one brother, Roger and his wife, Linda and a half brother, James and his wife, Naomi.