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BORN

1951

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Schnider Funeral Home - Great Falls

1510 13th Street South

Great Falls, Montana

Kenneth Kessner Obituary

Kenneth "Hoss" Kessner

Great Falls —Kenneth "Hoss" Kessner, 65, passed away surrounded by family members on Sunday, July 31, 2016.

Hoss was born May 18, 1951 in Great Falls, MT. He was raised and attended elementary and junior high school in Great Falls. He then went to Kemper Military School in Missouri, returning back to Great Falls, he graduated from C. M. Russell High School. Upon graduation, he served our country in the U.S. Navy. After his service, he returned and went to work for Cascade County before joining his family's construction business. He finished his career as a utilities foreman with the City of Great Falls.

Anyone who knew Hoss knew that he loved being around people and making them laugh - he always had a joke ready to tell anyone who would listen. Hoss loved country music and loved to sing along. Hoss was a big man, as his nickname implies with an even bigger heart and personality. He felt most at peace in the mountains near Lincoln, MT - a place he retreated to every chance he got.

Hoss is survived by his wife, Terrie Kessner of Great Falls and his four legged canine companion, Bubba; son Chad (Sammy Bernardy) Kessner; daughters Marsha Jones, Jeniffer (Shawn Belk) Elliott, and Kari Jo Schutt; grandchildren Garrett, Sheridan, Hunter Kessner, and Sophia Jensen all of OR, Gabriell, Christian, Kelly Jones all of Great Falls, Kelsie Bjork of AK, Trisha and Bradley Elliott of Great Falls, Cody Elliott of MS, Elyssa Belk of Great Falls, and Ashley and Tyler Schutt of MN; great-grandson Alex Kessner of OR; brother William Kessner of WY; son-in-law Mike Elliott of Great Falls; brothers-in-law Roland Boe and Frank (Shelley) Rossberg all of Great Falls. Even though they were not related by blood, he considered Darren and Kathleen Guilbert and their children, "his granddaughters," Lauren, Allison, and Madison all of Alabama to be his own.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Bill and Verla (Mohn) Kessner; brother Joe Kessner, and sister Barbara Kessner Boe.

At Hoss's request, no funeral services are planned. The family will host a memorial service to celebrate his life at a later date.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Aug. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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August 14, 2016

So sorry to hear about Hoss. Nelda and I will keep your family in our prayers. May GOD comfort your family at this time.
Dan an Nelda Stroop

Fran Feller

August 12, 2016

Terry & Family
You are in our thoughts & prayers

Mark Grasseschi

August 12, 2016

So very sorry to hear about Hoss. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bonnie Stone

August 10, 2016

Terrie, Jen, Marsha, Chad and the rest of the family...I was sorry to hear of Hoss 's passing. Know that my prayers are with you and that he is in a place without pain and suffering. Thinking of all of you at this time

Lots of love to all of you
Bonnie Cassity Stone

Debbie Kimball

August 9, 2016

Terrie and family,

So sorry to hear about Kenny. It was always good to see his smiling face and hear that husky laugh.

May your many happy memories help you to smile when you need them most. Sending love, hugs and prayers to all of you.

Glen, Debbie & Steven Kimball

Tracie and Haley Farmer

August 9, 2016

Jennifer and family, we send our thoughts and prayers to you during this time of loss. May you find comfort in knowing you were loved by such a great man. Remember the good times.

Max Kalafat

August 8, 2016

My sincere condolances to all of you on your loss.

He was one of a kind and a great classmate during those long ago days at CMR.

Bob Turner

August 8, 2016

Bill and family so sorry for your loss. Remembering all of the days growing up with the Riverview boys and playing Little League ball. Also great times in High School. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.....

Helen and John DeVoss

August 7, 2016

Terry and family, so very saddened to read about your beloved Hoss . It was so fun to get to know him on our 40th Class reunion Terry. We enjoyed karaokeing with him and listening to him sing. We had a good time that night. He was very enjoying also to visit with. Dark days now but in time it will get better. Your old friends, Helen and John DeVoss

August 7, 2016

Terrie dear. So sorry to hear about Hoss. We are missing you, come back to where you're friends are. We love you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Becky T.

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Schnider Funeral Home - Great Falls

1510 13th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405

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