Daniel Steve Kessler Jr.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great- Grandfather, Brother and Uncle, Daniel Steve Kessler Jr. of Madison, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday January 18th 2024.
Dan was born January 26th 1960 in Painesville, OH. He was the oldest child of Daniel S. Kessler and Donna Hayward. Dan attended Madison High School where he played football and wrestled. Following in his Father's and Uncle's footsteps, Dan enlisted into the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. During his time in the military, Dan achieved the rank of Sergeant in the "All-American" 82nd Airborne Division. Over the course of his military career Dan made 79 jumps from various aircrafts; he loved, was honored and proud to be a paratrooper.
Dan met the love of his life, Debra Rose in high school. Dan would borrow his friend's silver 1969 Dodge Super Bee to pick Debbie up to go on car rides and once told her father that he was going to marry his daughter one day; they were married in 1978 in Erie, PA. Dan and Debbie recently celebrated 46 years of marriage on January 6th. A lifelong hunter and angler, Dan enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagles and fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. Dan enjoyed watching a variety of different sports but his absolute favorites were the football games, soccer games and wrestling matches that his children and grandchildren participated in. A huge Beach Boys fan Dan ensured that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild knew their music and when they all were little he would sing "Hushabye" to help them sleep. When relaxing, Dan could always be found in his favorite recliner with his favorite beagle Dinky Lee sitting on his lap waiting for the hotdogs that he would feed her. Dan was a lifelong motorcycle rider and a classic car enthusiast; he achieved his dream of owning a 1969 Dodge Super Bee.
Dan was the Operational Manager at Galt Enterprises in Moreland Hills, OH and was with the company for over 20 years. His expertise in the automotive repair industry made him exceptional at his job.
Dan is survived by his wife of 46 years Debbie, his children – Kari Kessler of Bedford, OH and Nikki Kessler of Lumberton, NC., grandchildren – Alexas Kessler of Madison, CJ Kessler of Madison and great-grandson Julian Kessler who is his best little buddy, siblings – Susan Boyce of Center Point, WV, Patty (Mike) Fults of Espyville, PA, Keith Hockman of Harpersfield, Mother-In-Law – Nadine Rose of Madison, Siblings-In-Law – Corrinne (Ronald) Abbott of Tennessee, Cheryl (Dalton) Starkey of Madison, Dennise (Rick) Lesko of Utah, Tina (Rusty) Wood, Kelly Ransom of Madison, Robert (Mia) Rose Jr. of Nevada, Candy (Pete) Tannish of Perry, Mike (Bridget) Rose of Cruz Bay USVI as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dan is preceded in death by his father Daniel; mother Donna; Great Aunts Helen (Jim) Oris and Betty (Paul) Gencel; Brother James "Jimmy" Kessler Sr.; Father-In-Law Robert "Rosie" Rose Sr.; Brother-In-Law Theodore "Ted" Ransom and Cousin Gilbert "Gibby" Kessler.
Calling and remembrance hours will be held Friday February 2nd 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Behm Funeral Home in Madison located at 26 River Street. Internment will take place privately for the family at a later time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com