Earl Fessler Obituary

Earl Joseph FESSLER October 13, 1936 ~ May 25, 2011 Earl is survived by his loving wife Barbara Thompson Fessler, his children Dianne Fessler, Jeff Fessler and Mark Fessler, and his sister Lea Schlaefer and brother Harvey Fessler. Earl had an adventurous life full of travel, boating, and family adventures. He grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, then spent time working and living all over the world as an aerospace engineer. He loved the water and cruising on the CallyO in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. He spent his winters in Maui enjoying the warm weather and loved spending time with his family. He taught his children to work hard, to be kind and loving, and to enjoy life to its fullest. We will all miss him very much and know that he is sailing now where the sun always shines and the following breeze is a steady 15 knots. Earl was a loving husband, great Dad, and a very kind and gentle person with a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 11:00a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.

Published by The Seattle Times on May 29, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Barbara, Dianne, Mark & Jeff,

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Husband / Father.
Earl’s obituary is a testament to a well-lived life.

I am the youngest of Earl’s many cousins (born October, 1946); Mother Helen Fessler – sister to Anthony Peter Fessler. You may not recall my visit around Memorial Day weekend 1973, but I certainly do! It was my first visit to Seattle – visiting a Peace Corps friend. Barbara, you & Earl & Family were most welcoming. Recall that you had just returned from a sailing vacation in the Pudget Sound.

Harvey & Lea - my condolences on the loss of your Brother.

Sincerely,

John & Darlene Miller & Family

John Miller

June 6, 2011

Dear Barbara,Dianne,Mark,Jeff, and Lea,and Harvey. I just returned from Northern Wisconsin and found out about Earl's passing. Earl was one of the cousins all born in the same years of 1935/36 in the Fessler family. I am from the Genevieve Fessler/Mayer family born in November of 1935. We were all depression babies. We shared a marvelous heritage From that family, above all else we shared a commoness of caring and gratefulness for such wonderful cousins. We, Tom and Ceil Mayer extend our deepest sympathies to all of you, I know Earl will be missed by those that he loved the most.

Tom and Ceil Mayer Mayer

June 3, 2011

Dear Barbara, Dianne, Mark, Jeff, Lea and Harvey...

I am very sorry for your loss. As one of his youngest Fessler cousins I remember his love of the water. When I was little my Mom and Pop, Arthur and Genevieve Mayer (Genevieve Fessler) would visit with Uncle Pete and Aunt Edna at their home near Lake Michigan in Milwaukee and I would accompany them. Uncle Pete and Aunt Edna were very proud of Earl and his accomplishments. Surely he will be missed by all.

Sincerely,

Larry (Lawrence) and Patricia Mayer
2306 Serenity Lane
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

Lawrence and Patricia Mayer

June 1, 2011

Dear Barbara, Dianne, Mark & Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a great man, and a very kind soul. I was so lucky to have known him and spent time on the waters with him. Your whole family has a special place in my heart! Peace be with you.

Connie Abell

June 1, 2011

Dear Barbara and family; Harvey and Lea,
You are all in our hearts and prayers at your time of great loss. I remember Earl as a young man living at home in Milwaukee. I knew then of his love of the water. As a younger cousin, I remember his smile warmth and the time he took to explain his boat and love of sailing. Oh, how you must miss him. God be with you all. I will donate to Dr. Kate Hospice/Arbor Vitae, WI in Earl's name.

Cathy (Miller) Wiechering

June 1, 2011

Barb and children, I wish to offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband/father. I haven't seen Earl in many, many years. He was my cousin but I have never met any of you. I have vague memories of visiting his parents, Uncle Pete and Aunt Edna, along with Harvey and Lea when they lived on the south side of Milwaukee.My prayers are with you all.
Rosemary (Resch) Nothem

May 31, 2011

Barbara and family; Harvey and Lea;
Our prayers and sympathy are with you as you celebrate the extraordinary life of Earl. I had few occasions to see him after graduating together from MU in 1958, but his activities at work at home on on the water were mentioned often by my Aunt Edna and by Lea. His example of God and family and dedication to his career make him a great role model for me and for others.

Blessings,

Cousin Gene Miller and Rosemary

May 31, 2011

Dear Barbara and Family,
Earl's Dad was my mother's brother. She was Helen Fessler. I lived with Earl and his birth family for about six months in 1945 when my mom was ill and always remember that I had a bedtime the same as his - and I was older:-(( When I married, I moved away from Wisconsin - in the opposite direction as Earl and your family (Pennsylvania). Always being in contact with Lea, I knew your family travelled over much of our world.
I am so very sorry for your loss. The picture in this obituary is a wonderful keepsake for me.

Doris (Miller)Turner

May 31, 2011

I first met Earl when he was working for Hamilton Standard and I was working at Boeing. Then later when he worked at Boeing, I had occasion to work with him.

He was a good person, and a good engineer. I didn't know him socially, only professionally, but had the highest regard for him.

Arny Forner

May 29, 2011

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