Walter Frank Kessler

Walter F. Kessler, 91, of Paradise Valley, was reunited with the love of his life, Colly Kessler, on October 20, 2021. His love of family and life itself will forever be remembered by everyone privileged enough to know him.

Walter was born December 1, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Fred and Margaret Kessler. He grew up in Cleveland, but while serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, his boot camp Sargeant learned Walter was fluent in German. He became an interpreter for the Army and spent his tour of duty traveling Europe and North Africa playing baseball for the U.S. Army’s official baseball team. Walter fell in love with the dry heat of the Saharan Desert in North Africa, which convinced him that he wanted to raise a family in a part of America that most closely resembled the weather of the Saharan Desert. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married Colly in 1955, started a family and headed to Arizona.

Walter received his law degree at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. As he settled his family in Paradise Valley, he began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In just a few years, Walter’s talents as an attorney allowed him to open his own law office. He practiced law with distinction and dedication until the Lord called his adored wife, Colly, to her heavenly home in 1996.

After his retirement from law, Walter was able to spend time doing the things he loved the most: tennis and collecting art. Walter would spend hours every day playing tennis and became the champion of the local tennis senior circuit for many years. His body finally told him it was time to let someone else win a few tournaments. He hung up his tennis racket at age 90.

Collecting Southwestern art was a lifelong passion for Walter and Colly, and they compiled a collection that was the envy of all who visited his Paradise Valley home. Many pieces in their collection made appearances in museums throughout America, as Walter wanted everyone to enjoy his passion.

Walter and Colly raised four children, whose individual successes, accomplishments and character were the direct result of two of the most loving and dedicated parents a child could hope to have. Many years ago, Walter counseled his children that the three most important words he could

say to his family were “Love One Another.” The Kessler clan took his words to heart and remain close-knit siblings to this day.

His four children all became successful in a variety of endeavors, and Walter was blessed with eleven grandchildren, who would in turn give him eight great grandchildren. As a testament to Walter’s love of family, nearly all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren remained in the Valley of the Sun, creating one large loving family.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Fred Kessler, and his sister Elaine Penny. He is survived by his four children, Colette E. Ross, Eric W. Kessler, Victor C. Kessler and Holly E. Saville; his eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Bryce, Craig, Taylor, Collin, Kendra, Karl, Raymond, Sandon, Brendan and Kendall; and eight great grandchildren.

A private Celebration of Life for Walter will be held on October 30, 2021.