Bernice LaVon Kessinger

Bernice was born January 4, 1934 in Nokomis, Illinois the daughter of Edward & Melinda Herzog (Reincke). She was number four of 5 children in the Herzog family. She graduated from Nokomis High School in 1951 and dedicated herself as a secretary at AE Staley in Decatur, IL, from 1951 to 1975. In May 1956, she married Richard Bandy, with whom she raised two daughters, Karen and LaVon. Following their divorce in 1968, Bernice remained in Decatur, providing a nurturing home for her daughters. In 1975, she married Gene Kessinger and moved to Galesburg, IL, before settling in the Kansas City Metro in 1977 with Gene and LaVon.

Bernice loved to travel, especially to the mountains. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She started every morning with a cup of coffee, her Bible, and the newspaper. Bernice was known for her strong convictions and engaging conversations on faith, current events, sports, books, and anything else her loved ones were interested in. She enjoyed spending time with her family, having dress-up tea parties with her granddaughters, reading books, cheering on her KC teams, doing crossword puzzles, taking her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and investing in her church. Above all, she made sure everyone knew how deeply they were loved.

Bernice was a woman of few words on the phone, but she was an avid letter writer. She would send letters and cards to family and friends just because she was thinking about them, often including newspaper clippings of things that reminded her of the recipient. Bernice had a servant's heart, always thinking of ways to bless her family and friends with little gifts, letters, and thoughtful gestures.

A founding member of the Church of the Resurrection, Bernice faithfully attended services every Sunday she was in town, even until the end. She stuffed bulletins for years with her circle of friends. Her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life and a legacy she passed on to her family through generations.

Bernice is the beloved mother of Karen (Wally) Brischle, LaVon (Adam) Hamilton, and Lee (Rob) Hemming. Grandmother to Amy (Jared) Cristy, Kristen Hemming, Sarah (Jordan) Elliott, Danielle (JT) Hamilton Slate, Rebecca (Jared Horne) Hamilton, and Ryan Hemming. Gigi to Elliana and Seth Cristy, Stella Hamilton Slate, and Harper and Joshua Elliott. Sister to Dusty (Jeanie) Herzog, Lyla (Don) Darnell, Marion (Tony) Stauder, Josie (Wayne) Barringer. Family and friend to many more.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Dusty and Lyla, son in law, Wally, and granddaughter, Kristen.

A service to celebrate Bernice’s life will be Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the main sanctuary of Church of the Resurrection Leawood. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224.

Arrangements entrusted to McGilley State Line Chapel. Please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kansas-city-mo/bernice-kessinger-11862982 to view the online obituary, share condolences, and reminisce about Bernice’s life.