Marlene J. Kessler

Marlene J. Kessler, 79, of Leola, SD, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Aberdeen Health and Rehab.

Marlene J. Hettich was born on January 28, 1944, to Elmer andClara (Semmler) Hettich in Roscoe, SD.  She was raised and attended schoolin Roscoe, graduating from Roscoe High School.  Following graduation,Marlene moved to Aberdeen and attended Stewarts School of Hairstyling.

Marlene married Clarence Kessler on October 24, 1963. The couplemoved to a farm near Leola. They were blessed with four children: Jim, Kim,Tim, and Lynn.  The couple raised their children on the family farm. Marlene was the head cook for the Leola School District for many years. Shealso worked at the D & M Cafe for many years.  She enjoyed being ahomemaker and attending auction sales. Clarence passed away in March of2021.  Marlene continued to live on the family farm after Clarence’spassing.

Grateful for having shared Marlene’s life are her children: Jim(Judy Ketchersid) Kessler of Mobridge, SD, Kim Merkel of Ellendale, ND, TimKessler of Leola, SD, Lynn (Stephan) Wright of Houghton, SD; twelvegrandchildren: Cheyann (Scott) Mann, Camy Jo (Hunter) Weber, Shamee Merkel,Shania Merkel, Ty Kessler, Whyatt Kessler, Sierra Kessler, Savannah Kessler,Sienna Kessler, Aurora Kessler, Nathan Wright, and Madilyn Wright; and fourgreat-grandchildren.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husbandClarence; one half-brother Maurice Semmler; and one granddaughter Katie Wright.

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