John Robert Kessinger's Obituary
DECATUR ' John Robert Kessinger, age 83, Decatur, died April 15, 2013 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. John was born September 22, 1929 near Carlinville, IL to Fred and Pearl (Morris) Kessinger. He attended Laurel Hill Grade School, Carlinville High School, and Blackburn College in Carlinville. He married Sally L. Gill in 1957. She passed away December 15, 1997.
John is survived by his children, Becky (Lee LaVanway) of Eau Claire, MI, Jill (John) Majcher of Naperville, IL, Mark (Cindy Phillips) of Denver, CO and Amy (Brian) Blackburn of Decatur, IL; grandchildren, Luke LaVanway, Julia LaVanway, Callie LaVanway, Jack Majcher, Julie Majcher, Derek Kessinger, Ethan Kessinger, Charlie Blackburn and Jake Blackburn; sister, Betty (Vern) Easley of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Mary Kessinger of Litchfield, IL; brother-in-law, Albert Willis of Mulberry Grove, IL; brothers in-law, Robert (Pat) Gill of Las Cruces, NM and Bill Gill (Bob Boehm) of West Hollywood, CA; sister in-law Terri (Jim) Smith of Marquette, MI; many nieces and nephews; special friend Marciann O'Brien; and many great friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; daughter, Julie Ann; parents, Fred and Pearl Kessinger; brothers, Morris (Gert) Kessinger and Nelson Kessinger; sisters, Lois Kessinger and Shirley Willis; father-in-law, Willard Gill; mother-in-law, Ruth Krite; brother-in-law, Scott Gill; sisters-in-law, Mary (Earl) Branding and Suzanne (Joe) Dirst.
John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
John was a member of many organizations throughout the years, including Golden K Kiwanis, American Legion and American Contract Bridge League. He was especially proud to be a 60-year member of the Carlinville Elks Club. He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church where he is currently a Deacon, and had served as an Elder and Treasurer.
An active volunteer, John lent his talents to National Softball Tournaments, Northeast Community Fund, American Contract Bridge League Tournaments, Hospice, and Macon County Relay for Life. He also assisted Sally for many years after she co-founded the local Compassionate Friends organization.
John's employment included working on his family farm, several years at Shell Oil Company, and 30 years with the Federal Internal Revenue Service. After his retirement, he held several short-term jobs.
John loved living in central Illinois, which he called the garden spot of the world. He spent his life emphasizing relationships with people, rather than collecting things. Sports and games were something he enjoyed, and he closely followed local, national, and international current events.
Family will be receiving friends from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to a Celebration of Life Service, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard at the Scovill Golf Course Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main Street, Decatur, with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Relay for Life of Macon County IL, Northeast Community Fund, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
The family of John Robert Kessinger is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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