Katherine Eva Kessel

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, Katherine Eva Kessel (Filz), age 99½ , passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 19, 2023. 

Kay was born December 13, 1923, daughter of Raymond and Virginia (Priebe) Filz.  Kay graduated from Appleton High School in 1942. 

After graduation, Kay worked at Lakeview Mill, supporting the war effort.  In May 1944, Kay enlisted in active service in the U.S. Navy.  Kay trained at Hunter College in New York, transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and worked as pharmacist’s mate until her honorable discharge in March, 1946. 

During that time, Kay met the love of her life Peter Kessel, while he was serving in the U.S. Marines.  They were married on May 10, 1947, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton.  They raised their six children and were married for 58 years, until his death in 2005. 

During her school years, Kay played basketball and made lifelong friends – known as the “Terrific Six”.  Kay volunteered at St. Therese Catholic church and school, and she was a hair stylist for many elderly friends and neighbors.  Her strong faith and love of the dear Lord guided Kay her entire life.  Pete and Kay loved to travel throughout the US.  Family was most important to Kay.  She loved large family gatherings and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s events. 

Kay is survived by her six children Kathy (Bud) Stellberg, Waupaca; Sue Vollstedt, Appleton; Dan (Joan) Kessel, Appleton; Annmarie (Dave) Horan, Appleton; Mike (Jane) Kessel, Weston; and Angie (Mark) Oppor, Menasha, grandchildren:  Stephan (Heather) Stellberg,  Stephanie (Ray) Mahr, Ryan Vollstedt, Katie (Bob) Becker, Nick (Liz) Kessel, Ben (Diana) Kessel, Joe Horan, Tom Horan, Sarah (Paul) Conrad, Peter (Alex) Kessel and Ellen (Ethan) Vought,  great grandchildren Sam, Westley, Evan, Nora, Will, Alex, Lilly, Catherine and Emmett, sister Nancy Merkel and many nieces and nephews.   

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Shirley Frailing, brother-in-law Bob Frailing and son-in-law Karsten Vollstedt. 

Funeral visitation will be held from 9:00 -11:00 am, Friday, June 30th at St. Thomas More, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton, WI.  Mass and service with military honors will follow at 11:00 am, to celebrate the life of our sweet, loving role model. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Norma Turk for her care and support during the end of Mom’s journey.