Margaret L. Kessler

WEST PEORIA- Margaret L. Kessler, 92, of West Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 7:10 P.M. at Heddington Oaks in West Peoria. Margaret was born February 29, 1924 in Ipava to Claude and Mabell Weiss Siler. She married DeWayne H. Kessler on August 31, 1940 in Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 24, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, James “Ed” Kessler and William “Bill” Kessler; longtime companion, Lloyd Farris; 5 siblings, Dean Siler, Robert Siler, Don Siler, Norma Davis and Donna McPeak; son-in-laws, Joe Ivey and Bill Mosburg; and grandson, Gavin Kessler. Margaret is survived by two children, Gladys M. Ivey of West Peoria and Robert J. (Sherry) Kessler of East Peoria; 12 grandchildren, Brad Mosburg, Martie Rose, Kim Jarvis, Geoff Kessler, Melissa Kessler, Cassandra Kessler, Matt Kessler, Jessica Force, Robert Kessler, Katelynn Kessler , Brandy Blackmore, Larry Blackmore and Bob Ivey; 21 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren ;sister-in-law, Redana Siler of Champaign; and several nieces and nephews. She worked as a cook with Canteen Corp and Armour and Company Meat Packing for many years, retiring in 1979. Margaret was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and friend. She was the matriarch of her large family and cherished every moment she was able to share with them. She was an exceptional cook, she enjoyed camping with Lloyd, and she loved to bowl. She will be dearly missed by each and every person who was blessed to have known her. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. There will be a funeral service for Margaret on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Pastor Brian Crocker will officiate. There will be a visitation on Monday, July 11, 2016 from 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home and an additional visitation on Tuesday from 10:30 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Margaret’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where online condolences may also be sent to the family.

Margaret L. Kessler

February 29, 1924 - July 6, 2016