Ed Kessenger

Herman “Ed” Kessenger, 81, passed away peacefully, alongside his wife and son on September 15, 2024. He was born on December 9, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Ed attended Valley High School, where he was voted Student Body President and was the first male cheerleader in school history. He graduated from Western Kentucky University, majoring in English.

Ed taught English at Fairdale High School and then spent 32 years as an insurance agent, where he built meaningful relationships and worked hard to put his customers first. 

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janice (Payne) Kessenger; their son, Keith (Erika), grandchildren, Andrew and Claire, and his sister, Shirley Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Dorothy (Hayes), sisters, Kathy Ethington and Barbara Stivers, and his daughter, Kimberly.

Ed enjoyed making people laugh and loved unconditionally. He coached every one of his son’s baseball, basketball and soccer teams for a decade. His greatest thrill came from seeing children, especially those who struggled, achieve their moment of greatness. He was a man of few criticisms, often reserving those only for himself. He loved to talk of what was amazing about his family and friends. He was a patient listener and took a genuine interest in people. 

In his spare time, Ed played piano for hours on end and was on a lifetime search for the perfect golf swing, stock pick or Texas Hold’em hand.

Visitation will be held on September 25, 2024, at Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Road Louisville, KY 40299)  from 10 AM to 12 PM, followed by a funeral service at noon. 

In honor of Ed’s deep love for his daughter Kim, who bravely fought cancer, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing and resources to families with sick children receiving treatment. Donations can be made online at https://rmhc.org/donate?designation=500322 or checks may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities 26345 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1263 

To share a memory of Ed or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.