Maureen Kessler

Maureen Kessler, 89, of Oblong, IL, passed away on February 27, 2024, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, IN. Born on October 28, 1934, in her childhood home north of Trimble, IL, she was a 1952 graduate of Hutsonville High School. After graduation, she worked at the Argus, where she dedicated herself until 1959. It was during this time that she met and married the love of her life, Mike Kessler, and the two were united in Holy Matrimony on April 18, 1958. She soon chose to devote her life to nurturing their home and raising their family, a role that she cherished deeply.

The Kessler home was often filled with the mouth-watering smells of cinnamon rolls and noodles, and she was known to make persimmon pulp every year as well. Her kitchen utensils weren't just to make delicious food but were also used for discipline, as she often kept her family in line with her big wooden spoon, a symbol of her no-nonsense approach to correction! Though she could dole out punishment, "Doc Kessler" was also a caregiver, always ready to fix up any scrape with her trusty Merthiolate.

Maureen was fiercely creative, crafting beautiful quilts that would become treasured family heirlooms and contributing her talents to the Stitch & Sew group at Hardinville Christian Church. Together, she and the other Stitch & Sew ladies would make noodles to sell at the Oblong Fall Follies, and for years, she lent a hand in creating beautiful one-of-a-kind floats for the parade as well. In addition to her culinary and creative talents, Maureen contributed significantly to the family's deer processing operation and played an integral part in maintaining local cemeteries with her kids. Moreover, she was an avid mushroom hunter, leaving behind a trove of humorous tales from her foraging expeditions. Maureen's love for flowers and tree planting further showcased her connection to nature and her fondness for nurturing life in all forms.

Maureen's adventurous spirit led her on mission trips to Mexico, where she and Mike assisted the Sandia Chico Christian Mission in building a house. The Kesslers were also avid campers and relished spending time in Texas, Florida, and their local favorite spot, Sam Parr. She also enjoyed her time as a member of a bowling league, indulging in her favorite Western and romance novels (often while enjoying chocolate bonbons), and delighting in the comedic stylings of Red Skelton and the rugged films of John Wayne.

Maureen Kessler's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived and the impact one person can have on the world around them. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated by her family and the many lives she touched with her spirited, creative, and adventurous heart. Though we grieve our temporary loss, we know that she is not gone. No, she has just gone from our sight, having entered into the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior. We'll see you soon, Maureen!

Waiting in hope and assurance is her husband of nearly 66 years, Mike Kessler; her children & their spouses, Lane & Velma Kessler, Lynn & Roy Horn, Todd & Michelle Kessler, and Stacy & Robin Kessler; her grandchildren, Nick & Jennifer Maglone, Tony & Alyssa Maglone, Tyler & Erika Kessler, Roxanne & Matthew Paddick, and Abby Kessler; her great-grandchildren, Presley Maglone, Gavin Maglone, Paisley Paddick, Ivy Paddick, Winston Kessler, Harvey Kessler, and one great-grandchild on the way; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel & Doris (Hand) Treadway; her sister, Mary Lou Garrard; and her brothers, Harold Gene Treadway (in infancy), Richard Treadway (KIA during the Korean War), Hubert Treadway, and Guy "Wally" Treadway.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 1st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, with Pastor Butch Murbarger officiating. Burial will be in the Hardinville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the "Hardinville Christian Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home.