Br. Xavier was our music teacher in 1966-67 at St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary.  He was an excellent teacher and a very good man.  He was fun-loving and affable.  Over a half century of time has passed since I last saw him, but memories of him still bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  He touched us all and will not be forgotten.  

Pax et Bonum!

Paul T. Schuster
Class of 1970
St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary  

p.s. The photo is from our 1967 yearbook.

I met Xavier thru my mom,  they sang in the choir together at St Ignatius in Cleveland Ohio. He was a wonderful human being.  I remember going with my mom one time to their end of summer party. We had a great time. But my biggest memory was when my mother became ill and could no longer attend sunday mass, Xavier would come over every sunday to give my mom communion. He never missed  a sunday to pray with her and give her communion.  For the 4 months before my mom passed he was there. He was truly a Angel on Earth.  My condolences goes out to Ed and his family. everyone who knew him has been blessed and he will truly be missed.

My sympathy to the Kestler family... In retrospect, Xavier brought out my talents, and he let me run with them. He gave me behind the scenes responsibilities and duties that were mostly reserved for faculty. 
I was on a business trip in Cleveland about 4 years ago, and I was able to contact him. We met for dinner, and had a great time. 
May he rest in peace. 

Brother X gave me the motivation to always follow my dreams.
With his big smile and laugh he challenged me to be who I am today.
He wasn’t  afraid to go against the grain in the name of the Lord.
My only regret was not taking the time to look him up to thank him for the great values and love of the Lord that  he showed me through his example.
Xavier may you find Eternal Peace with the Lord!


Like Bro. Mark Powell said I can also attest to the fact that Bro. Xavier greatly blessed my life. I took a speech class from him, that to say the least gave me Great Stage Fright. I hyperventilated, shook terribly, and couldn't even function (ask my classmates, they can tell you). Bro. X encouraged me and helped me through that. Since then I have given many speeches to Service organizations, civic groups, Scouting troops & packs, LDS church meetings, and many other service clubs with confidence. I was in the play "Scratch" at St. Joe's with Mark Powell that Bro. X directed. I was one of the three kings in a Christmas play, carried by fellow classmates in a chair lift that Bro X implemented for me due to a bum knee I had at the time. He gave his time, talent, and heart to all of us at St. Joe's. And like he once said in a speech he gave: "Never tell the world that I didn't Love You". God bless you in the eternities Bro. Xavier Earl Kestler. The world is a better place because you were/are here.              Roger A Grawe

First, my  condolences to Ed and the entire family.  Bro. X changed my life. As a sophomore at St. Joe's in 1975, he cast me in my first play. I got over my shyness and stage fright with his kindness and caring direction. He was a mentor and dear friend who was always encouraging. The world is less because is voice is silent. Our faith gives assurance of seeing him again in eternity. That reality dulls the sadness of this moment. I thank God his life intersected with mine for that short period of time but the lessons he taught me will be with me until I see him again. Perpetual Light shines upon him. 

I am saddened to hear the passing of Xavier Kestler. Over the years we kept in contact and he will be dearly missed. My heart and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend . 

I first met Xavier when I entered the Franciscans in '65. I remembered his smile and goofy laughter.  He was such a wonderful warm person. My heart is heavy knowing he is gone from us. May he rest in peace.

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OBITUARY

Xavier Earl Kestler

October 7, 1939 – December 2, 2021

Hoffmeister South County Chapel

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