Lt Col Kessel has been my orthodontist while at Wright-Patterson AFB.  He had a fantastic bedside manner, always reassuring and kind, both to patients and staff.  Our condolences to his family.  He will be missed. 

Dr Kessel was my orthodontist at Lackland. He was a very gentle and caring person, was a great mentor to his residents and treated his patients with so much compassion. I'll always be thankful for the great smile I'll get to carry around for the rest of my life because of his hard work and dedication. I had no idea we were both stationed at Wright Patt together too...I would have reached out to catch up had I known. I'm really sad I missed that chance to tell him how much I appreciate what he was able to do for me. Fixing my teeth helped so many of my insecurities. I hope he knew the impact he made in his life, and I give my deepest condolences to his loved ones. I hope you all find some comfort knowing he left his mark in this world and has altered lives for the better. 

Dr. Kessel was my orthodontist at wright Patterson AFB. I just found out about this and sad I found out to late. I would have loved to of gone to the funeral. Dr. Kessel always made it welcoming going to appointments. We made my final appointment with Dr. Kessel on the 31st. That’s the day I get my braces off! Finally this day has come. He was excited for me and I was beyond excited that two years has finally come to an end. Now I don’t get to share that day with MY orthodontist! To see the before and after pictures. I was excited!! The 31st of august will be a hard day having to spend my last orthodontist appointment without MY orthodontist! Dr. Kessel, you are loved, you will be missed, you will always be MY orthodontist! RIP my friend! I salute you! 

Dr. Kessel, was my orthodontist at Wright Patterson. I always enjoyed going to Ortho we would always have good conversations and he really cared about his patients. He will truly be missed! 

You will be greatly missed Lt Col Kessel. You have been my orthodontist for the past year. If it wasn't for you paying attention to my records it would have been a lot longer with continuing on with my braces plan. You were so encouraging to me and made sure every time to let me know that even if it doesn't look like it to me, that you appreciated all the hard work I've been doing with my teeth and bands because it was definitely making a difference. I last saw you on the 11th and you asked me how I felt about the care I've been receiving. I told you that it has been great, but that I should've been done already if it wasn't for COVID. You told me that you hope that I stick with it because it really is helping. I told you that I definitely would. If it wasn't for COVID derailing the progress I had been making between PCSing, I would have never met you so as ironic as it sounds, I'm so happy that COVID allowed that to happen. You were a great person and I appreciate everything you've done for me. God Bless you and your family. 

Condolences to the family. Neil had an incredibly positive impact on every life he touched. My life was no exception. Miss you my friend. 

Neil, you were the first dentist I ever worked with during my Air Force career at Lakenheath. It was an amazing experience sitting side by side with an individual who had a relaxing but powerful presence. Thank you for understanding all my Seinfeld references and the good times. RIP Neil.

Lt Col Kessel,

Thank you for extending compassion and humility  toward me in the short time you have helped me in orthodontics clinic. I had a sense that all the staff loved working with you and you made me feel respected and cared for as a patient. You will be missed dearly.

Very respectfully,
Capt Andy Hur

I worked with Dr. Kessel for a few years at Lackland AFB, back then I was "SSgt Catlin"... he taught me so much about orthodontics...He was always kind and patient with me as I learned. He had a dry sense of humor that I grew to understand and love, and he made me laugh every day. He was easy-going and a great teacher, but most of all he gave me advice and mentorship that helped shape the person I am today. I am thankful for the time I shared assisting him and will always remember the life lessons he taught me. 

On behalf of the AEGD-2 Class of 2018 at Lackland we extend our condolences to the Kessel family. Dan, Teneshia, Lauren, McKinley, Prescott and I all have nothing but the best memories during our times having Dr. Kessel as our instructor.  He was caring, understanding, relaxed, smart, hard working and always willing to help in any way he could. He was who I would inspire to be as a mentor and educator.  Dr.  Kessel embodied the idea of "nothing was above me, nothing was below me." He was one of the most humble instructors I ever had, he always made everyone feel that they were on his level.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kessel family at this time, Dr. Kessel was  a great orthodontist and officer, the world lost a truly special man, but the heavenly world gained a remarkable spirit that will also live on with all those people Dr. Kessel impacted. 

Neil Kessel was a kind, wonderful human being and will be missed by all whom had the good fortune to know him. I met Neil when he was participating in the dental assistant program at WPAFB. I was the residency program director and Neil was contemplating dental school but wanted to see what dentistry was like before committing. I was probably the worst person to consult because I told him that dental school was awful and dentistry as a life was hard work. He ignored my advice and preceded onto Michigan and a USAF scholarship. Upon graduation, he was required to interview at WPAFB prior to attending an AEGD program. He delayed his interview until after my departure, but my replacement informed me that he requested that his training be at Travis AFB, coincidentally, my next assignment. Neil was a wonderful resident, the best in class and possibly the best that I trained in15 years of military and civilian programs. Upon graduating, residents  were allowed to select a base for their next assignment. Neil, the top resident assured of his selection, chose Kunsan AB Korea. When I asked why, he stated so he could get a follow on assignment to Lakenheath RAFB, coincidentally where I was being transferred. Neil was a great general dentist, colleague, and friend. When asked about his future, he stated that he wanted to be an orthodontist. I was in charge of setting up rotations for the general dentists with the specialists and I was able to convince my friend, the chief of orthodontics at Lakenheath, to accept Neil as a rotator. I soon departed England, Neil was accepted for orthodontic training, and life continued. I had infrequent contact with Neil and soon lost contact. This is truly a great misfortune on my part and one I will regret forever. Neil, I miss you and, God, you have a good man up there with you now. Rest In Peace, Neil.

Neil was one of my instructors in San Antonio from 2013-2014, and I always felt grateful to have met him and had him teach me and my classmates.  My fondest memory of Neil was following him around from room to room to hear him interact with patients to capture some of the magic he brought to each encounter with patients.  He was invariably loved and admired by patients and students, and hearing so many patient comments to that effect made me want to discover and emulate his approach to patient encounters.  I actually got "in trouble" once when Capt Callegari suspected I was up to something no good when he noticed me following Neil around one afternoon (to learn his secrets).  Neil was loved by all.  My classmates and I experienced a collective moment of deep shared grief when we heard the news.  He was adored by all and brought so much joy to those he encountered - I wept when I found out.  Please accept my deepest condolences and please know that I'm giving you the biggest virtual bear hug imaginable.  

Neil was an amazing instructor and a true friend.  I met him when he became my faculty at TORP.  He was brand-new as an orthodontist but his calm and poise were really appreciated in a tumultuous time.  His love of Haribo was inspiring.  When I graduated, Neil became my friend and mentor and always took the time to thoroughly answer my questions.  He would not let me feel small or feeble but helped me rise up and overcome.  Later, I would return to take his place at TORP and it was such a honor to fill his (large) shoes.  I loved going through his old lectures to see what kind of Easter eggs he had hidden and I did my best to carry-on his legacy.  I will never forget the story about when he got rescued from his car.  Neil, you are not forgotten, my friend, and I will continue your work of inspiring young dentist and helping them reach their potential.  My love, prayers, and sympathy to your family.  Truly yours, Major J S. DeMeo

Neil was a lifer friend. Few people are. Most come and go but he and I were friends no matter the distance. We could always pick up right where we left off. We spent nearly every weekend together in 7th and 8th grade. He told me he was either going to be a dentist, or a session bass player with his first effort called “Big Mouth Bass”. Turns out, he became a dentist but not before sharing music with me. For years we played together and grew to be even stronger friends. Instead of writing letters back then, we made audio recordings because it seemed like a musical thing to do. Social media made it even easier to talk about life and music. People often come and go but he was always a part of my life and this leaves a void. I miss your dry sense of humor, quick wit and our awesome conversations, my friend. A piece of me has gone with you. Rest easy, brother.  

I first met Dr. Kessel during my orthodontic interview in 2016. At this time he was stationed at JBSA-Lackland. It was a sweltering San Antonio summer day, and I was 6 months pregnant with my second son. He generously offered to give me a ride back to my hotel, saving me from a 45 minute walk in my dress blues. I interviewed with him twice and then found out he would be joining us at Ramstein AB, Germany.  He was the colleague everyone hopes for when a new person arrives. Some orthodontists covet the specialty and do not want the wings of generalists to spread into the specialty. However, Dr. Kessel always had an open mind and heart, always willing to teach and mentor. In 2018, Dr. Kessel supported my orthodontic residency package in a way  like no other.  I hope I can make him proud from wherever he looks down on me today. I hope his parents, family, and friends know he improved the lives of thousands of patients, colleagues, and friends. Rest in Peace Dr. Neil Kessel. 

My deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. I had the privilege of spending time with Neil over the course of two assignments together. His warmth, kindness and sense of humor were always on full display. I’ll never forget raising a glass together in beer club, finding a good meal together and talking college football. Everyone whose lives were touched by Neil are all the better for having had him as part of their lives. 

OBITUARY

Lt. Col. Neil Clayton Kessel

November 30, 1977 – August 16, 2021

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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