William Ertman “Bill” Kessler

Devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away surrounded by his beloved daughters at his lakeside home on Thursday, February 27, 2020. Bill was married to Mary Ann Kessler (Donley). She was his brightest light and the love of his life. They were married on April 11, 1955 in New Baltimore, Michigan. We draw great comfort in knowing that she was the beacon from heaven that brought him home to her loving arms.

Bill was born on July 3, 1930. He served in the US Army Signal Corps as Second Lieutenant and was deployed to serve in South Korea. He attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. His incredible intelligence was recognized early and he became one of the pioneers in nuclear power, participating in the design and installation of nuclear power systems around the world. One of his proudest moments was the 1959 installation of the nuclear power system aboard the US Navy's USS Enterprise. The Enterprise was the U.S. Navy's Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, and her eight-reactor power system was the first of its kind. Bill went on to hold more positions as Nuclear Physicist and Project Manager over large nuclear energy facilities across the country. His fondest years were spent at Consumers Energy where he ultimately retired.

Bill was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending weekly mass. He loved music of all kinds and was a wonderfully talented piano player. He was a dedicated fan of all sports, especially the Detroit teams who he loved watching and analyzing with his brother Fritz. He played tennis and was a master Sudoku puzzle solver, but his favorite pastime was playing music for his seven daughters and eight granddaughters while they sang and danced along. He was a generous, kind, and a humble man with strong beliefs. Bill was always held in high esteem by his family, friends, and colleagues.
We will miss his keen intellect, incredibly loving spirit and the twinkle in his eye.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Kessler (Donley); father, Ertman William Kessler; mother, Pearl Patricia (Alderman); sister, Patricia Ann (Donald Daly); sister, Mary Katherine (Donald Skinner); and brother, Frederick Augustus Kessler.

He is survived by his seven daughters; Lyta, Carol (David Bentley), Frances, Kathleen (Huneycutt), Sarah (Allen Roden), Paula (Joseph DiPaolo) and Patricia (Eric Poppe); eight granddaughters, Erin Kessler, Barbara Ellen Bentley, Ashley Huneycutt, Katlynn, Megan, Paige Roden, Margaret, Elizabeth Poppe; brother, Ertman; sister, Claudia (Hinnebusch); and sister-in-law, Shirley Kessler.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, 2020 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the Rosary at 7:00 PM.

Instead of flowers, donations to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter or the AWARE Shelter would be appreciated.