Frances Kessler

Frances Kessler, a beacon of love and warmth, left this world on February 23, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100, a testament to a life full of cherished memories and laughter. Born on December 29, 1925, as Frances Schmidt, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Fannie (nee Wagner) Schmidt, who embraced her with nurturing hands and a joyful heart.

Frances was, above all, a devoted wife to the late Bill Kessler, whose love she carried with her throughout her life. Together, they created a tapestry of beautiful moments that will carry on forever. Frances and Bill shared many years in Arizona before her big move back to Illinois to stay with her sister Viola in 2019.

She shared an unbreakable bond with her sister and best friend, Viola (the late Walter), and reveled in the company of her siblings: Alfred Schmidt, Frank (June) Schmidt, Helen (Irvin) Burger, Emily (Angelo) Garzonetti, and Adolf Schmidt. Each of them was a thread in the vibrant fabric of her existence, one that she treasured deeply.

Frances was known for her gentle spirit and her ability to find beauty in the simplest of things. She delighted in sunny days, where she could immerse herself in the wonders of nature, delightfully pointing out images dancing in the clouds. With a heart filled with creativity, she embraced her passion for coloring, which remained a joyful pursuit right until her final days. Frances' sweet tooth brought joy to many, especially her love for fudge and cookies, which mirrored her inherently sweet nature.

In addition, Frances was a cherished aunt to a host of wonderful nieces and nephews, including April (Ben) Curry, the late Jeffrey Garzonetti, Randal (Pamela) Krawiec, Curtis Schmidt and the late Roxanne (Joseph) Giorango, Douglas (the late Nancy) Schmidt, and Fanny (Thomas) Sliwinski. Each of them carried a piece of her spirit, sharing in the love and wisdom she imparted.

In honor of her life, family and friends will gather for a visitation on March 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, followed by a poignant prayer service at 5:00 PM at Sax-Tiedemann Funeral and Crematorium, located at 9568 Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131. As they reminisce over the many joyful memories, those who loved Frances Kessler will surely find comfort in the legacy of love and light she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association at Alz.org