Robert J. Kessel, 60, Belfield, died Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Robert’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield, with Fr. Shannon Lucht as the celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Bernard’s Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and at the church from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Robert J. Kessel was born January 21, 1950 in Dickinson, ND, to Peter and Kathryn (Hutzenbiler) Kessel. Bob was raised in Belfield while attending Belfield Public School. Upon graduation in 1969, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. He served our country during Vietnam thru the years of 1969-1971.
In 1972, Bob met the love of his life Michelle and pursued her with his whole heart. On August 31, 1974, Bob and Mikie married at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. During their 36 years of marriage they were blessed with three wonderful children.
In 1974, Bob began farming in a partnership with his brother Gary. Then in 1981, Bob and Mikie moved onto the family farm. He worked in the oilfield for 38 years checking and pumping wells. Bob had a strong love for children. He was blessed with seven amazing grandchildren, Tanner, Kaitlin, Trey, Dylan, Logan, Peyton and Avery. There has never been a prouder “Pops”. No matter the circumstance or place, Pops always made time for the grandkids. Bob had an infectious laugh and smile that will never be forgotten.
Bob’s hobbies included farming, grandkids, watching the Green Bay Packers and driving the Camaro in his free time. Bob also had a love for International farm equipment. The grandkids know that red tractors are the best! He was a member of the American Legion.
Bob passed away to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family. Survivors include, his wife Mikie, three children, Bobbi (David) Silbernagel, Darren (Jodi) Kessel, Kasey (Craig) Tuhy. Seven grandchildren, Tanner Kessel, Kaitlin and Trey Silbernagel, Dylan and Logan Kessel, and Peyton and Avery Tuhy. Eight siblings, John (Gloria) Kessel, Gary (Jayleen) Kessel, Judy (Dave) Bicknese, Debra (Jerome) Messer, Mary (Fran) Chalupnik, Julie (Ken) Jahner, Jeannie Wosepka, and Jared (Wendy) Kessel, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Peter and Kathryn, a baby brother, and 2 grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Belfield/Medora Food Pantry, P O Box 721, Belfield, ND or St. Bernard’s Church.
