Kenneth “Kenny” Kessler, 82, of rural Bushnell, Illinois, went to be with the Lord at 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at The Elms Nursing Home. He was born in Macomb, Illinois, to Archie and Maxine (Hinds) Kessler. Kenny met his future bride on a blind date. He married Donna Marie Hardisty on March 8, 1964, at Camp Creek Presbyterian Church in rural Macomb, and together they shared 62 years and 14 days of marriage.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Donna of Bushnell; three children, Mitchell (Carrie) Kessler of Macomb, Pamela (Mike) Francis of Springfield, and Myron (Leslie) Kessler of Vermont; nine grandchildren, Ashlyn (Kevin) Dummer, Madison (Caleb) Quinn, Brody Francis, Maille Francis, Griffin Skees-Kessler, Abigail Kessler, Olivia Kessler, Anabelle Kessler, and Easton Skees-Kessler; four great-grandchildren, Claire and Nora Dummer, and Chase and Cade Quinn; and one brother, Max (Debbie) Kessler of Beulah, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Maddie Rhoades.
Kenny was a 1961 graduate of Macomb High School. He worked for Watson Seed Farm for 17 years before serving as the Macomb Township Road Commissioner for 16 years. Following his time as commissioner, he drove a Semi for Western Illinois Grain for over a decade and later for Jerry Erlandson for more than 11 years. Kenny was known as a dedicated and hardworking man who truly enjoyed his work and valued the friendships he made throughout his career.
He was a faithful member of Argyle Bible Church since 1969. Kenny was also a member of the Good Hope-Sciota Lions Club and the Argyle Gas Engine Antique Tractor Club. He had a deep love for antique tractors, especially his M&M BF, Oliver 88, and Ford 8N, and enjoyed attending tractor pulls.
Kenny will be remembered for his easygoing nature and his sense of humor; he was always a bit of a jokester; Kenny could even two step on skates. He and Donna enjoyed camping together, and he took great pride in following his grandchildren’s activities and supporting them in all they did. He also shared a special bond with his beloved Beagle, Lucky.
Kenny’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the administration and staff of The Elms Nursing Home, as well as Dr. Amy Waschull and the McDonough District Hospital Hospice program, for the compassionate care provided during his time with them.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Good Hope Cemetery, with Pastor Sam Kostreva officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Hope-Sciota Fire Protection District. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.
