Calvin Kenneth Kessler

In loving memory of Calvin Kenneth Kessler, our beloved husband, father, son and brother, who was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 3, 2015. Calvin was the first born of Alfred Francis and Ann Margaret Kessler in Duluth, Minnesota on October 1, 1931. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine J. Kessler with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage on April 28, 2015; his three children; son Kalvin, son Kevin (Sarah) and daughter, Kimberly (Sergio) and his nine grandchildren, Kalvin, Korey, Ethan, Hayden, Kendra, Skylar, Harlo, Ryder and Preston. He is also survived by his two sisters, Nancy Komula (John) of Derby, Kansas and Marilyn (Tedd) Johnson of La Crosse, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Pat Kreminski of Superior, Wisconsin; brother-in-law Richard (Kathy) Chandler of El Paso, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved canine companion Rebecca. Calvin’s military service in the Air Force began after graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in the spring of 1956. The young married couple spent their initial years in Rantoul, Illinois and were then transferred to Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso where he rose to Captain with numerous accolades along the way. Rather than pursue a military career, they decided to put down roots in El Paso and started their furniture venture in March 17, 1960. With their hands-on approach, hard work, grit and determination Kessler Industries grew into a family-owned business and was officially established that same year by Calvin and Geraldine. The business started in a small two-story building on Texas street in downtown El Paso where Calvin started producing boudoir chairs and Geraldine took care of office duties. As this first production of Kessler furniture took off, Calvin envisioned an entire line of metal furniture products. The continued growth of the company demanded more space, so land was purchased on the outskirts of town where the current building still stands. Kessler initially produced cast aluminum furniture. With their strong work ethic over the past 54 years the scope of manufacturing has increased to include metal furniture, various architectural facades, industrial castings for all industries to include aircraft, automotive, computer, electronic, marine, petroleum and solar energy industries. Kessler was highly diversified with multiple divisions to handle a wide variety of items produced within and without its facilities. Over the years Kessler also manufactured metal and mixed media OEM furniture for many of the top furniture manufacturers in the United States. Calvin was a highly respected long time businessman in El Paso. His involvement in the community over the years has impacted many areas from bank boardrooms, SBA Man of the Year recipient, assisting in the restoration of various lower valley Missions projects and many more. He was a member of Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church. Even though he has departed this earthly realm, Calvin leaves us with a treasure of warm memories for all of us to cherish in our hearts forever! Pallbearers will be: Kalvin Kessler, Kevin Kessler, Kalvin Kessler, Korey Kessler, Sergio Lopez, Richard Chandler with Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Rosales, Ira Batt and Bob McEnroe. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church with Vigil at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 1pm on Friday May 8, 2015 at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 1060 N. Carolina 598-3332.