John B. Kessler

John Kessler Obituary

John B. Kessler, 49, of Kansas City, Kan., passed away November 13, 2008, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He fought a courageous battle with brain cancer and pneumonia and is at peace now with God. He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Jean Hosseini of Kansas City, Mo., Christie Kessler of Overland Park, Kan., and Jim Kessler of Overland Park. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Arienne Hosseini and Pasha Hosseini of Kansas City, Mo., and Lauren Kessler and Collin Kessler of Overland Park. John left behind many friends, musicians and artists who loved him and shared his passion for music. During his life, incredible memories and original songs were created and shared. John had a special, unique and God given talent for music. His artistry and originality was the gift he gave and shared with the world. He will be dearly missed. A "celebration of life" memorial service will be 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Grace Point Baptist Church, 10415 Chestnut Dr., Kansas City, MO 64137. A private burial will be Saturday, Nov. 22, in Tarkio, Mo. Arr.: Davis Funeral Home.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Nov. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kessler

14 Entries

Tom Harvey

August 21, 2009

I just ran into an old friend that let me know John had passed away. He was one of my best friends when we were kids and my heart is heavy as I write this note. I know that he has found peace and I hope that his friends and family have too. He was one of a kind. I hope he has a guitar in his hands right now. God Bless John Kessler

Taryn Coppolino

June 20, 2009

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of John Kessler. I am an old school friend and knew John in the late '70's and I recently heard of his passing. I wish all of his family the best.

Anne DeBrie

November 20, 2008

Hi Everyone, how comforting to read the entries and see confirmed by so many what we all know about John. His genius, his loyalty, his gentleness and that huge heart! He taught me "listening 101" starting with David Bowie and hooboy, did we all plow through the music! John was insatiable when it came to devouring new music and on the other hand didn't mind selling his albums (or mine) for mad money or more albums! My love to you all, Anne Kessler DeBrie

Thomas Stutzman

November 18, 2008

Christy and Family, May the grant you peace and comfort in this time. Our orayers are with.

Laurie Matta

November 18, 2008

John,
You are one of my favorite people that I have met. You always have a smile on your face and a kind word to say. I will miss you as will everyone who was fortunate enough to have had you in our lives. David Bowe won't be the same.
Love eternally
Laurie Mattison(Dar Dar)

Jackie Polsgrove-Roberts

November 18, 2008

Christie and family,
My prayers are with you, I know how painful it is to loose someone you love. Cherish the memories and remember that love never ends. God bless you and your family. Jackie Polsgrove-Roberts

Randy Powell

November 18, 2008

John,

You were my best friend in junior high and high school. You befriended me in a difficult time in my junior high days, a time when others had brushed me away. I will always remember you for your gentleness, loyalty as a friend, and an amazing sense of humor. (And of course God gifted you with a creative genius in music that's indeed quite rare.) It's my prayer that you had a vibrant relationship with Jesus in your final days, and that I'll see you on the other side, in heaven.

Lisa Bailey Way

November 18, 2008

A GOOD MAN--For me it was folklore, until I met John. A million lifetimes could not define or contain his heart. He is the love of my life. He will always live in my stars. Goodnight Johnny, I love you...
Your Lisa Way

Jack Sperry

November 17, 2008

The entire Sperry family will miss our gentle giant. We all loved having you over for football and pork on Sundays. This year the Chiefs are so bad, we focused on the fellowship instead of the game. We are all so happy to have spent time with you. We'll be looking for that blue truck to pull up to our house and our Johnny boy to emerge with that big smile. We love you and miss you.
Jack, Ruth, Brandon and Madi Sperry

Sharon & Jerry Wallen

November 17, 2008

Christie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark Gilman

November 17, 2008

John - you let me join your band in high school. You were geniuses and I couldn't play. I was blown away when I saw you guys. You played guitar and organ at the same time and did 15 minute prog rock jams. But you were also into glam rock like Bowie, New York Dolls, Kiss, Queen, Lou Reed, etc. I was a terrible guitarist but after people saw our band I sucked up the compliments! Haha. You were also the first guy in the school to have his hair "styled" at a woman's beauty salon which made all the K.C. Conservatives insult your identity, but the rest of us in your circle soon followed suit and we all had "feathered hair". I was shocked the day you gave up guitar for full-time keyboards, but like Stuckey said, you amazed us all.

Lisa Kessler

November 17, 2008

My heart goes out to all of you at this time and in the days ahead. May John's music and all the great memories give you comfort. I will miss John very much.

Dave Stuckey

November 17, 2008

John, you were our guitar idol at Shawnee Mission East. I learned so much about stage presence, playing and professionalism from watching you. The rest of us were still stumbling around, trying to make an 'A' chord -- you seemed to spring fully formed & born to be on stage. And yet you couldn't have been nicer or more supportive to the rest of us newbies... you'll always be in our thoughts.

BILL HUGHES

November 17, 2008

JOHN HAD A GREAT SPIRIT. I ALWAYS ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM. HE'LL BE MISSED.

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