Laura Jean Kessler, 93, of Litchfield, died Sunday morning, Aug. 23, 2026, at her residence.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, located at 700 S. State Street, in Litchfield. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jerry Volkmar, Laura’s grandson, officiating. Burial will take place in the Brown Cemetery in rural Old Ripley.
Mrs. Kessler was born on April 25, 1933, to Emil and Callie (Brown) Schneck in New Douglas. On Aug. 3, 1956, she married James Wellington Kessler in Indiana. He preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 2009.
She attended a small country school in rural New Douglas. She was a homemaker and loved to sew and bake and was known for her homemade pies. She was a dedicated member of her church, Reno Southern Baptist church, in Reno. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for over 40 years and enjoyed a game of bingo wherever she could find one. Mrs. Kessler was a “lunch lady” for the Litchfield School District, and was known as “Grandma” by the children. She was also a strong supporter of Coats For Kids and purchased many new coats and school supplies for the youth of Litchfield.
Mrs. Kessler is survived by four daughters, Debra (Richard) Cox of Walshville, Jill (Keith) Binney of Mt. Olive, Rhonda Stapleton of Pevely, MO, and Linda Cole of Litchfield; two sons, Steve (Teresa) Kessler of Sorento and Michael (Lisa) Kessler of New Douglas; two step-sons, Joe (Becky) Williams of Georgia and Dean (Mandy) Williams of Texas; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard Schneck of Leesburg, FL; two sisters-in-law, Joanne and Mossie Schneck; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wellington Kessler; parents, Emil and Callie Fay Schneck; daughter, Ann Volkmar; son, Kurt Kessler in infancy; and five brothers, Edward, Lawrence, Eldon, Larry and Jerry Schneck.
Memorials are suggested to either Coats For Kids in Litchfield or Reno Southern Baptist Church in Reno.
Online condolences can be given at www.litchfieldffs.com. Litchfield Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
