Marlene G Kessler

Marlene Georgette Kessler (June 30, 1939-Jan. 16, 2024) was the first-born child of Florence Inez (Stark) Kessler and Dr. Ralph John Kessler, MD.  She had one younger brother, Sonny (Ralph John Kessler).  Both possessing a great sense of humor and fun-loving nature, they frequently pranked each other.  She also was considered a child prodigy of piano, and was playing Rachmaninoff at 5 years of age with incredible expression and artistry.  

She was highly intelligent, and excelled academically with aspirations to become a physician; however, since she had 3 young children (Deborah Florence Kessler-Hudak, Cherie Anna Kessler-Rolfsen, and John Ralph Kessler) and a moral conviction to raise them the best she could, she revised her healthcare career choice to be a Registered Nurse. She graduated with her RN/BSN degree from Mount St. Joseph College (now Mount St. Joseph University) in 1972 and for many years, assisted her father, an ophthalmologist, in the operating room and office until his retirement. She then worked in hospitals for the remainder of her medical career where her compassion and dedication were outstanding, earning her The Golden Touch Award, conferred by fellow Nurses, physicians and patients.  

She was the main caregiver of her parents when they became ill, and later worked for ~25 years alongside her son, John, as Head of Administrative and Customer Service of Kessler's Lawn, Tree, & Garden Equipment Company.  Even though illness forced her to discontinue working there within the last two years, many patrons still ask about the bubbly, spunky lady who assisted John.

Her other talents and interests included cooking, gardening, knitting, hiking and traveling. Through her actions and interests, she instilled in her offspring the values she cherished most: family, education, loyalty, honesty, and integrity. Marlene will be immensely missed by her loving children, grandchildren (Rachael and Johnathan Rolfsen, Sarah and Lauren Hudak), great-granddaughter (Sofia Cherie Magowan), and granddogs.  

In lieu of flowers, Marlene would appreciate you donating to one of her favorite charities, the Comboni Missionaries.

Visitation will take place at the Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Rd. on Saturday January 20th from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am