Neal Kessler

NEAL EMERSON KESSLER, 84, died at 1:08 p.m. January 18, 2005, at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born July 24, 1920, in Carey, Ohio to Calvin and Norma Eysenbach Kessler, who preceded him in death. In October 1946, he married Eileen Canavan, who died in March 2002. Mr. Kessler retired in 1982 from Marsh Foods. He was a member of First Evangelical and Reformed Church. He was a member of the Lima Traffic Club. He was a 1938 graduate of Lima Central High School. He and his wife lived in Muncie, Indiana, for 14 years, and then moved to Zephyrhills, Florida, and North Webster, Indiana, following his retirement. When his wife became ill, they moved to Nobelsville, Indiana. After her death, he moved back to Lima. He loved fishing, traveling, photography and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. Survivors include seven children, Cynthia (Steve) Fisher of Lima, Ohio, Dr. Stephen (Virginia) Kessler of Phoenix, Arizona, John "Chris" (Dorothy "Dot") Kessler of Media, Pa., Dan (Gail) Kessler of Birmingham, Ala., Connie Scales of Bloomington, Indiana, Carrie (Carl) Gehlhausen of Cicero, Indiana, and Colleen (Mark) Keisler of Indianapolis, Indiana; and 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Kessler; and a sister, Helen Cleary. Services will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday at First Evangelical and Reformed Church. The Rev. David G. Williams will officiate. Burial of the cremains will be at a later date. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lima Central Catholic High School band. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.