John A. Kessler died March 31, 2011, of natural causes. John was born September 10th, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri. When John was 12 his parents, Carl and Ida Kessler moved to Colorado where they lived on a dude ranch. John spent most of his childhood out of the comforts of his home where he lived and worked on other peoples ranches. John joined the Air Force and stationed in Alaska. In just 4 short years he promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. John also had a distinguished 35 years with the Forest Service. Among many of his award, he was recognized for his fire fighting leadership and skills. Notably on the steep mountains in Idaho he served as sector boss on the upper division of the fire assigned to him. His sector was on a very steep and difficult terrain. John demonstrated a great grasp of fire control methods in controlling and safely holding the fire line he was responsible for so read his accommodation. John loved poetry, music, horses, participating in the Veterans of Foreign War and the American Legion, and most of all his family. John’s favorite instrument was the trumpet. John played the trumpet for the military and other activities. John will not missed for his playing the trumpet at 5:00 a.m. on a cold Montana morning to wake up his eight children. John is already missed and is survived by many.
Survived by his brother Buck and wife Wilma Kessler, his sister Anna Marie and husband Russell Johnson of Georgetown, Idaho. John is also survived by eight children, Bryan Kessler of Laurel; Kevin and Kimberly Kessler of King City, Calif., Sherry and Russell Dohr of Kalispell, Mont.; Sheryl Ruggles of Kalispell, Mont.; Mark Kessler of Park City, Mont.; Kent and Julia Kessler of Childress, Texas, Kay and Bobby Raymond of Columbia Falls, and Cindy Kessler of Kalispell, Mont.; grandchildren, Jackie Ruggles of Laurel, Mont. Wendy Story of Kalispell, Mont.; Brittney, Courtney and Nick Licht; Joshua Dohr all of Kalispell, Montana. Bobby Ann and Colby Nash, Stephanie, Rebecca, Tianna, Nicholas all of Columbia Falls. Kasia, Rachel, Johnathan, Hannah, David Kessler of Childress, Texas. Donna Kessler of Kalispell, Mont.; Cora of Brazil, Moriah of Provo, Utah; Jacob Kessler of King City, Cal. And great grandchildren Athena, and Aidian Storey of Kalispell, Mont.; Destinee, Aaven Cole Kessler of Kalispell, Mont.; Ethan Licht of Kalispell, Mont.
John will be remembered most for his service. Service to his family, church and community. He was a person who was perfectly honest and trustworthy and he had integrity. He taught his entire family how to live a life filled with integrity and uprightness. John did not die as he was prepared to meet God. We know he lives and loves us very much and we can be a family together united forever one day.