Vernon Michael "Skeeter" Kessel

Vernon Kessel

BELFIELD-Vernon "Skeeter" Michael Kessel, 65, Belfield, died March 24, 2006, at his home. Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. MST Friday, March 31, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Belfield, with the Rev. Shannon Lucht celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Belfield.

Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. MSTWednesday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at Stevenson-Mischel-Olson Chapel, Dickinson. Visitation will continue from 5 to 8 p.m.MST Thursday, at the church, where rosary and vigil services will be held at 7 p.m. MST.

Vernon "Skeeter" Michael Kessel was born June 16, 1940, to Philip and Mildred (Polanchek) Kessel in Belfield. Skeeter grew up and attended school in Belfield. After graduating from Belfield High School, Skeeter entered the U.S. Army, where he served for two years before being honorably discharged in 1962. Vernon returned home to Belfield and married Merle Johnson in May 1965. To this union four children were born. Skeeter embarked on numerous business ventures through the years most notably a Pizza parlor, Philips 66 Station and Napa stores. He owned and operated these Napa stores for over 25 years and they included stores in Belfield, Beach, Dickinson, Watford City and Sidney, Mont. Skeeter was very fond of the Belfield community and therefore was very active and eager to help promote and enhance the community. He was a lifetime member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, held various seats on the Belfield City Council and local Chamber of Commerce and was also a member of the Belfield American Legion.

Skeeter was also very influential in renovating the Belfield Theater. Skeeter loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed collecting Kaiser Frazer cars, stamps, coins, and liked to write and sketch as well. Skeeter learned to play the organ by ear and kept his family entertained on many occasions. His famous "dry" sense of humor will be missed by all.

He is survived by his mother, Mildred Kessel-Talkington, Belfield; a son, Leonard Kessel Belfield; three daughters, Michelle McRae, Belfield, and Bonnie (Brad) Klein, Dickinson, and Bev (Tim) Ebert, Belfield; seven brothers, LeRoy Kessel, Belfield, Raymond (Cheryl) Kessel, Belfield, Charles (Leona) Kessel, Belfield, Allan (Jean) Kessel, Santa Fe, N.M., Larry (Jeannie) Kessel, Fargo, Tom (Mary) Kessel, Bismarck, and Ralph Kessel, Belfield; four sisters, Cookie (Dennis) Bergman, Cincinatti, Phylis Roth, Patsy Steiner and Shirley (Doc) Arneson, all of Belfield; and 11 grandchildren, Dean, Keith and Casey McRae; Rachel and Bradley Klein; Gunnar, Heaven, Fynne, Rachel and Baby Ebert and Hailey Ecker.

Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Philip; one brother, Phil; and three sisters, Daria Kessel, Joyce Benham, and Joanne Schroeder.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.