Harley Kesselring Obituary

Name: Visitation for Harley Kesselring
Start: 2024-04-05T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-04-05T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Williamson Funeral Home

Harley Kesselring
Harley Phillip Kesselring, died at age 90 on Sunday, March 31, 2024 due to complications from a stroke he suffered while he was doing what he loved - mowing. He passed away surrounded by his loving family. Harley was able to spend his final days at home in the country enjoying nature and gardening. Harley was born on January 1, 1934, in Colorado Springs, CO to Harry and Lorene Kesselring.
He served in the Army from 1956 to 1958 as a nurse in the officer's ward of the 121 st Evacuation Hospital. When he returned from Korea, he married Jane Ellen Lockard on his 25 th birthday – January 1, 1959. Harley and Jane moved to Illinois in 1961 where they farmed together for 37 years. As with everything he put his hand to, Harley farmed with integrity, discipline, and perseverance. Harley retired from farming at age 64 and the following year went back to work part time to stay busy. He enjoyed delivering coffee to the staff at Westown Ford and running parts for the next 15 years. After his second retirement, he and Jane volunteered several times a month at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. More than anything else in life, Harley treasured his relationship with God. He made his choice to serve
the Lord at age 12 and kept true to his vow until his last breath.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; son Randy and LouAnn Kesselring of Ashland, IL, grandson Trint and
Jessica (Garrett) Davis of Mt. Sterling, IL and great-grandchildren Micheala and Logan, granddaughter
Jessica Davis of Ashland, IL, granddaughter,Jennifer and Herschel McBride of Ashland, IL and great-
grandson Ethan; son Darren and Debi Kesselring of Grant Park, IL, grandson Clinton and Sophie
Kesselring of Paducah, KY and great-granddaughter Solomia, grandson Caleb and Stephanie Kesselring of
O'Fallon, MO and great-grandchildren Emery, Zoey, Eden, Lana and Colin, and granddaughter Emma
Kesselring of Springfield, IL.,brothers, Royce Kesselring and Neal (Glenda) Kesselring both of Springfield, sister, Velma Jesse of Olathe, KS and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Lerwick.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at
Ashland Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

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Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on Apr. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Harley Kesselring

6 Entries

Donn & Julie Klor

April 5, 2024

All good memories of Harley!

Sharon K Eubanks

April 4, 2024

Jane & Family. I cant find words to speak my heart of feeling for you. I can just share with you a common loss and wish I could give you all hugs of some understanding. Hope you can see beyond the death to the promises of Jesus—our only comfort after all. Love you all, Kay Eubanks

Alan Anderson

April 2, 2024

My thoughts go to you Jane, boys and the rest of your family after hearing that our good friend and "brother" passed away. I prepared 15 years straight at Mt. Sterling and you all were a great help to me and all those days and years my first years in the Work. Harley was a very special friend and always looked forward to times together and in your home. The boys were a good help and inspiration during the days of preps. Pleasant memories but now the great consolation that Harley has the best, now where he had prepared to go to the prepared place in heaven. We too that are still here must keep on keeping on until our last day on earth do we too can be in the meeting of meetings with God´s people.

You all have my condolences en this separation.

Your friend and brother, Alan
(Presently in Guatemala for special meetings)

John and Marilyn Vickers

April 2, 2024

Some of my earliest memories are of Harley and Jane when we´d go to Ronald and Jessie´s on first Sundays. When thinking of both I have an image of quiet steadiness, stability. Sending love to all his family and especially Jane.
John, Marilyn, Aimee, Alan and Elisabeth Vickers

Karen Eicher

April 2, 2024

I enjoyed being in the home of Harley and Jane many times and greatly appreciated their hospitality. Truly his godly influence will be missed, but it's wonderful for him that he could go home to his living Father. Thinking of the family with love and sympathy.

Gary Gabehart

April 1, 2024

I am so sorry to see if Harley´s passing. He was one of my favorite customers. We talked farming for many hours, as well as Allis Chalmers tractors

My prayers are with , Jane and the brothers who were Also great friends

Sincerely. Gary Gabehart

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