Charles Kessner
September 27, 1914 - August 7, 2008
Obituary
Charles KESSNER
Age 93, went to meet his heavenly father, August 7, 2008, surrounded by, Virginia, his loving wife of 69 years, and family members at his home in Seattle, WA.
He was born Sept. 27, 1914 in Minneapolis, MN, to Joseph Kessner and Mary Teska Kessner. He was the sixth of nine children and was the first to be born in the United States instead of his parents’ native Austria.
He graduated from Black Diamond High School in 1933 and went into the CCCs before marrying Virginia Givens in 1939. They had three children of their own—Carla Virginia, Charles Edward, and Joseph Gary—and Charles was a major presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews, especially Mary Ann, Jill, Virginia, Matt, and Mark Gregg. Charles loved the Boy Scouts of America and he and Virginia were both very involved with the organization long after their own boys were grown. He served as a proud Scoutmaster of Troop 371. He worked in steel fabrication and then in the shipyards during WWII, but eventually specialized in ornamental metal fabrication and engineering. Charles’ creativity and inventiveness in his field led to the building of the Bubbleator featured at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, among other technologically advanced projects. He retired in 1979 and spent the rest of his days traveling the world, square dancing with his wife, and enjoying his large and devoted family.
Charles is survived by his wife, Virginia Kessner; children, Carla Janes of Seattle, WA, Chuck and Sharon Kessner of Enumclaw, WA, and Joe and Jan Kessner of Cottonwood, CA; brother Ed and Elleene Kessner of Sun Lakes, AZ; nephew Hank and Medora Kessner of Seattle, WA; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; brothers Herman, Frank, Joseph, Otto and Fred; and sisters Mary and Genevieve Jenny.
The service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Seattle, WA. All are welcome. Memorials may be sent to Society of St. Vincent de Paul in care of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 10240 12th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98168.
Mr. Kessner was an inspiration and leader to us all but especially to those of us who were Scouts.
I can still remember some of the training and leadership skills he tought us as our Scoutmaster.
I am sure he inspired many of us to go far beyond the boundries we would have set for ourselves.
It was an honor and privelage to have known him both as a friend and as Scoutmaster.
My most heartfelt sympathy on your loss
The Kessners were some of my parents dearest friends, having shared all the fun of scouting and other neighborhood projects. I was personally overwhelmed with appreciation when they offered to transport a diningroom set of my mom’s to Denver, to be given to me. They packed the whole thing into a van they drove from Seattle and helped us put the table together. Then we celebrated with a spaghetti dinner. My heart goes out to Virginia and family. Love, Catherine Gay Bennett Welch
I cherish the memories growing up sledding in the back yard, caroling at Christmas, collecting card board for the trips to Disneyland, train trips, camping in the VW, dressing up upstairs, washing dishes on the stepstool, sitting at the kids table, and so much more. I love that I have been able to get out there the past few years and bring the kids to visit you.
Virginia – I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and best friend. I valued his friendship, sense of humor, and dedication to his family, friends, and church. He was an Angel who walked the Earth and we were blessed to have had him in our lives. He will always be in our hearts and forever with God smiling down and watching over you and those he loved.
Growing up around my uncle, I always thought of him as the strong silent type. He had large hands and a very soft voice. I don’t remember ever hearing him raise it. I have many fond memories of my Uncle, but the one that stands out most is him slapping his knee and laughing at something that he found humorous. And, it was contagious. You didn’t have to find the situation funny, you couldn’t help laughing with him. That’s the best kind of memory to have, everytime I hear “Lena Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” or see a Benny Hill re-run, I’ll think of him and smile.
Chuck has preceded us to better place, and eternal rest with our Glorious Father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I remember his many kindnesses. Sister Mabell Fox will write soon.
He will be missed by all that have known him. Our prayers to all of his family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to my family at this difficult time.My great uncle had a kind heart and was loved by many people.He will be missed deeply but we will always have are memories of him.