Betty J. Kessler's Obituary
Betty J. Kessler, age 85 of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Friday, June 3, 2022 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Waupaca. Betty was born December 30, 1936 in Stevens Point, WI; daughter of Kenneth and Elizabeth “Beth” (Swan) Hurlbut. On June 18, 1960, Betty married Robert “Bob” Kessler in Stevens Point and together they shared 56 years of marriage before his passing on March 17, 2017. Through the years they raised three children, welcomed their spouses into the family, and were blessed with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Betty received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and was a home economics teacher for 30+ years working mainly with the West Allis/West Milwaukee School District. She and Bob moved to Waupaca 30 years ago and they became very active in the community. They volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program and were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church where Betty served on Bethel Circle (helping to serve luncheons for funerals) and the Mission Quilters. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting places such as Alaska, Hawaii, and national parks. During the winters they enjoyed vacationing for a week in Mexico with many good friends. Their greatest joy, however, was time spent on the Chain O Lakes with family.
Betty was a smart, creative, and independent woman who enjoyed a very social life with her many friends. She was an excellent seamstress and was a wonderful baker. Sharing her baked goods (cookies, banana bread, and pistachio bread) with family and friends brought her much joy. Betty was a loving wife to Bob, caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be dearly missed by all of her loving family and friends.
Betty is survived by her three children Scott (Renee) Kessler of Kenosha, Lynn (Robert) Nimmer of New Berlin, and Dawn (Christopher) Thomas of New Berlin; nine grandchildren Jason (Kris), Alex (Matt), Ryan (Katelyn), Tayler (Derek), Stephanie (Jon), Rachel (Ryan), Mitch (Jesus), Allie (Kevin), and Matt (Kacee); seven great-grandchildren Abbie, Jillian, Natalie, Mason, Gavin, Noah, and Charlotte; a sister Shirley (Earl) Newby of Kenosha; a sister-in-law Carolyn Zuhse of Shawano; and also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ken and Beth Hurlbut; her husband Bob Kessler; and three brothers Ken, Dave, and Rick Hurlbut.
A Memorial Service for Betty will be on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, WI. Reverend Erin Coutts will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the church. A private family burial will take place at Rural Cemetery in Waupaca at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Betty’s name. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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