Don Kessler

Donald B Kessler, 89 of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, surrounded by family, at Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen, SD.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen. Visitation will begin one hour before Mass. Father Jeff Schulte will be officiating.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2023, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel with a Liturgical wake and rosary to begin at 7:00pm, led by Father Michael Kapperman. 

Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Aberdeen with military honors.

Donald Bernard Kessler was born October 4, 1933, to Ben and Magdalene (Wangler) Kessler on their family farm in Mina, SD. He was the oldest of 10 children.  Don attended country school in NE Fountain Township #3 through the 8th grade. He then began working on the farm with his dad, which he enjoyed and often reminisced. Around age 18, Don began working at Independent Well Drilling Company and was then drafted into the United States Army. He served from July 12, 1956, to July 2, 1958 and was Honorably Discharged. His Branch was the 2nd Armored Infantry Battalion, Basics at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

Don attended Mechanic School at Louisville, Kentucky then transferred to 11th Airborne to finish his tour in Munich, Germany. He trained as a Truck and Vehicle Mechanic. He proudly served his country! When he returned home, he continued with Independent Well Drilling Company until becoming a Mechanic at Al’s Texaco in Aberdeen for approximately 20 years of employment. In August 1979 he began working for Smith Electric. This led to Service Signs until he retired in August 1999. 

Don was united in marriage to Alice M. Hopfinger on August 10, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen. They built a beautiful life together in Aberdeen and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary shortly before Alice passed away on September 16, 2017.

Don was steadfast in his faith and a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church. He was a devoted family man and the love for his family showed. He enjoyed family time, hunting, camping, fishing, and tractor-pulling. He loved dancing, cowboy movies, and could always be found cheering on the Minnesota Twins. He was proud of his daughters and son-in-laws. He enjoyed watching his four granddaughters in their various activities all throughout their school and college years. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than seeing his great grandchildren.  He and Alice were honored for their part in mending the 30’ x 60’ American flag, which is the centerpiece of “Circle of Flags” at Wylie Park.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his two daughters: Darlou (Ron) Snaza and Joanne (Ray) Brandlee; four granddaughters: Kari (Mike) Puffer, Andrea (Micah) Van Voorst, Chelsea (Justin) Hanson, and Ashley Snaza; twelve great grandchildren; two brothers; three sisters; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews; as well as his wife’s family on the Hopfinger side, whose bond Don always cherished.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Alice; his parents; three brothers; a sister; a sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

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