Mary L. Kessling

Lu loved her family, some of her favorite activities with her late husband Raymond were going camping out West, being roadies for their son Larry’s bands, and dancing. She loved making all her family feel special and provided magic for them for every holiday. Lu loved going to garage sales with her sister Ginny and they would always stop at The White House in Dixon for fried chicken when they went looking for deals.

She is survived by her children, Larry Kessling, Mary K. “Kathy” (Bob) Lawson, and Cindy (John) Trautt; stepson, William (Beverly) Kessling; grandchildren, Christopher (Theresa) Kessling, Michael Kessling, Leah (Paul) Millhuff, Paul (Liz) Goodwin, Keith (Connie) Lawson, Ryan (Nicole) Lawson, Jared (Schatonna) Trautt, Shane (Hannah) Trautt, Jill (DJ) Jones, Chad (Laura) Kessling; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother Darrell (Therese) Wright; and special sister-in-law Fonda Wright.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Kessling; parents, Harry and Minnie Wright; brothers, Rollie Wright, Lyle Wright, Arlen Wright, Clarence Wright, and Allen Deitzman; sisters, Flora, Mildred, Virginia, and Lois; daughter-in-law, Maureen Kessling; and step grandson, Christopher Goodwin.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospice, and the staff at River Bluff Health and Rehabilitation Center for their fantastic love and care of our mother.

A visitation for Lu will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115. A burial will occur Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115.

Lu will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115-2277.