Ewald Robert Kessler

1915 - 2018

Ewald Robert Kessler

Born: June 27, 1915

Died: January 13, 2018

Ewald (Kess) Robert Kessler, of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, January 13th 2018 at the age of 102.

Kess enjoyed golf, boating, fishing and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks fan. Kess was born to parents Ewald Robert and Helena (Wenzelmann) Kessler on June 27, 1915 in Friedewald Germany. He immigrated to Kenosha, WI in 1925 and attended grade school and high school in Kenosha. He graduated from Carthage College, in Carthage IL in 1941 with a Bachelors degree in Biology. He received his Masters degree in 1958 in Guidance from the University of Illinois. He taught high school biology in many communities. Kess also coached high school basketball for 20 years in Leland and Morris Illinois.

Kess married Elizabeth (Betty) Burgess in 1943 and they were married for 62 years before her passing in 2004. The Kessler's moved to Crystal Lake in 1961 where Kess became a guidance counselor at Crystal Lake Community High School. He was a deputy on the McHenry County Sheriff river patrol for many summers. In 1978 Kess transferred over to Crystal Lake South High School where he continued as a guidance counselor. He was also the official varsity basketball scorekeeper for Crystal Lake South for many years and continued after his retirement in 1981. He was awarded the honor of being inducted into the Friends of Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.

He is survived by his sons, William (Cheryl) Kessler and Thomas (Gloria) Kessler; four grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Helena; wife, Betty Kessler; and siblings, Ernst, Fritz, Reinhold, Tillie, Hertha and Justine.

Kess has chosen cremation and there will be a private memorial service at a later date.

The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers and donations.