James Kessler

The memorial service for James E. Kessler, 78, of 1900 Andrew Ave., LaPorte, will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. David Sickelka officiating. Mr. Kessler died Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 6:20 p.m. at La-Porte Hospital. There will be no visitation. Cremation will take place and burial of ashes will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Lake Grange, c/o Nina Salyer, 196 W. McClung Rd., Lot 10, LaPorte, IN 46350; or St. Paul United Church of Christ, 1101 Lincoln Way, LaPorte, IN 46350. He was born Nov. 29, 1925, in La-Porte, to Walter and Ella Brettine Kessler, and had lived in the LaPorte area all his life. Mr. Kessler retired in 1986 as an assembler and press operator at Allis-Chalmers after 17 years. He had also worked at Bud Company for 26 years and Berkel Inc. for 5½ years. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where he was past treasurer and a member of Sunday school, and UAW of LaPorte. He held offices at Pine Lake Grange as gatekeeper, overseer and steward. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Surviving are one daughter, Colette Parry of Mesa, Ariz.; three sons, Mark of LaPorte, Karl of New Carlisle and Williard of Valparaiso; six grandchildren; and one brother, Robert W. of LaPorte. He was preceded in death by his parents. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James E. Kessler please visit our Sympathy Store.