January 26, 1922 – January 23, 2017
Marvin Oliver Kessel
Marvin Oliver Kessel, 94, died on Monday, January 23, 2017 in Fishers, Indiana. He was born in the family home in Ashley, North Dakota on January 26, 1922, the second youngest of 8 children born to Gottlieb and Christina (Sackmann) Kessel.
After high school, Marvin attended North Dakota State University until enlisting in the Army in 1942. Marvin was stationed in Ohio, Kentucky and Mississippi for training as part of the 200th ordinance unit in support of the 12th Armored Division which participated in the Battle of the Bulge. After that battle, because of his ability to speak German, Marvin was assigned as a liaison with German prisoners of war in a large POW camp near Reims, France. Following the war, Marvin joined his father and brother, Andrew, at Kessel Implement in Ashley, which was run by the family for over 40 years.
In 1945, Marvin married his grade school sweetheart, Dolores (Huether) Kessel. They were married for 66 loving years.
Marvin was very active in the community, participating in the Lions club, school board, Medical Center board, American Legion, Zion Lutheran Church board, and assisted in the development of the Ashley golf course.
In their retirement, Marvin and Dolores spent their winters in Phoenix, AZ. In their later years, the couple moved to Saint Paul to be with Steven and family until Delores’ death 6 years ago, at which time Marvin moved to be with his youngest son, Michael, and his family in Indianapolis.
Marvin was always at his happiest when he was surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the family’s weekly Sunday night dinners in Indianapolis where he was surrounded by active great-grandchildren, laughter and frequently authentic German cooking. The family always looked forward to Marvin’s jokes, which he had been saving all week to share.
Marvin is survived by two sons, Steve and his wife Arlene of Minneapolis, MN, and Michael and his wife Sandi of Fishers, IN. Marvin was also blessed with four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren (and counting), who were the pride of his life. His youngest sister, Elenore Boeddeker, also survives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Dolores, who passed away on 1/21/2011; two brothers, Andrew Kessel and Ted Kessel; and four sisters, Johanna Schock, Rebecca Thurn, Edna Geiszler and Annella Winkes.
Marvin’s remains will be laid to rest in the Ashley Lutheran Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church or the Ashley American Legion.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com