Stuart William Kessler

Stuart William Kessler, 89, of Mt. Morris, IL passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. Stu was born July 27, 1936, to parents Henry and Sarah Pauline (Davis) Kessler. He attended Mt. Morris High School through his junior year, after which he entered the US Army and served from 1954-56. He married Patricia May Myers on August 16th, 1958, in Adeline, IL. After the service he attended Rockford Barber College and worked as a barber until 1974, when he started working for the Ogle County Highway Department. He worked for the county for 24 years and retired at the age of 62. He enjoyed fishing, wildlife, and maintaining his property and fishing pond.

He is survived by his wife Patricia of Mt. Morris; his three children Dennis (Kerry) Kessler of South Lyon, MI, Penny (Kessler) Wilken of Forreston, IL; and Scott (Sherri) Kessler of Mt. Morris, IL; his seven grandchildren Joshua (Allyson) Wilken, Lucas (Stephanie) Wilken, Sean (Kelly) Kessler, Rebekah ( Corey Wagner) Wilken, Conley (Maddie) Kessler, Hannah (Marcus Chaffin) Kessler, and Jessica Kessler; two step-grandchildren Nathan (Anna) Samsel and Taylor (Adam) Egan; and eight great-grandchildren Leon, Bryant, Isaiah, Addison, Brooklyn, Leeland, Hudson, and Rozie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law Lyle Wilken, and his great-granddaughter Maya Wilken.

A celebration of Stu Kessler’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on July 25th at Stu and Pat’s home at 5247 W Midtown Rd, Mt. Morris. Friends and family are invited to stay for a potluck meal immediately following the service to share memories and fellowship.