Raymond Lee Kessler

Raymond Kessler died peacefully, February 16th, at the Brookdale care facility in Monroe after a prolonged battle with dementia. He was born in Toledo June 28, 1926. He is survived by his wife Betty, their four children: Jeffray (Susan), Bradley (Margaret) Robert (Rene?e) and Jill Ranallo (Ron), seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Just as importantly, Ray Kessler is survived by thousands of students he guided for 36 years of service at Jefferson Public Schools, with the majority of those years as the high school principal. The JHS Bear Nation has lost a loyal advocate. As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, principal, and friend Ray Kessler was a champion for those with a will to achieve their greatest potential, be that a troubled child, a student, a colleague, or a friend. Raised humbly in Toledo, Ohio, he was able to break a cycle of family poverty with his ingenious street smarts (including making money as a 1-man band), graduating from high school, becoming an Eagle Scout, joining the Navy and later graduating from The University of Toledo. He was known to many for his handyman skills. He built his own house in 1957, and was always generous with his time and talents to fix or repair a neighbor's plumbing problem, or take on various projects at Christ Lutheran Church, where he was a devoted member and usher. People knew they could call on Ray. He was also a hot piano player. One of his favorite tunes was the 1930's hit "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone". The humility that the song implies was all about Ray Kessler. He avoided the spotlight, and taught his kids, "If you are really good, you don't have to tell anybody." On that point, Dad never talked about his golf and fishing frustrations. He's gone now, and we will talk about him. The Jefferson High School Alumni have established a memorial scholarship in his honor. This year, $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded. The family would like to make special note of the patient and professional care Dad received at the Brookdale facility in Monroe. The staff there went out of their way to make him comfortable and provide extraordinary care. Visitation will be held at the Allore Funeral Home, Monroe, MI Monday, February 19th from 2-8pm. Funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20th 11am at Christ Lutheran Church, Monroe, MI. Raymond will lie in state at the church from 10am until 11am. Rev. David Hively will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ray Kessler/Jefferson Alumni Scholarship fund. Send donations to: The Foundation at MCCC, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI 48161. On the memo line of the check, write: "Kessler Scholarship". Donations can also be made to Christ Lutheran Church: 225 E. Elm St., Monroe, MI 448162.