Wilma Kessler

Wilma J. Kessler, age 81, of Gresham, NE, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at York, NE. She was born November 23, 1930 at Gresham to James and Lucie (Girard) Kirby. Wilma graduated from Gresham High School in 1948. She taught for several years, before receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Wilma taught several years in rural schools in the Seward, Butler, Polk, and York County area. The biggest share of her teaching career was in Shelby, NE where she taught for 33 years. On June 28, 1953, Wilma was united in marriage to G. Lindley Kessler at Gresham.

Wilma was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Gresham. She belonged to the Rebekahs, York Friendship Club, Alpha Delta Kappa, Retired Teachers Association, W.I.F.E, and the National Soybean Board. At one time she owned a ceramic shop and a grocery store. Besides taking care of her family, one of Wilma’s favorite pastimes was playing bridge.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, of 59 years, Lindley of Gresham; son, John (Kathy Wiemer) Kessler of Gresham; daughter, Jeanne and husband Kevin Blum of Benedict, NE; seven grandchildren: Jason Blum of Henderson, NE, Angela and husband Bo Heidtbrink of Raymond, NE, Stephanie Blum of Benedict, Erin Blum of Benedict, Amanda and husband Joel Cast of Gresham, NE, Bridget Kessler of Lincoln, and Lindsey Kessler of Gretna, NE; four great-grandchildren: Dahrran, Mackenzie, Kaitlynn, and Addysen Cast all of Gresham.

Wilma is also survived by one sister, Olive Siffring of Lincoln; and sister-in-law, Irene Kirby of York. Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, James Kirby; and four sisters, Mildred Schultz, Dollie Bond, Gladys White, and Irene Schnirl.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Gresham Presbyterian Church, Gresham, NE. Interment followed at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Gresham. Memorials may be directed to the Gresham Presbyterian Church or to the family for later designation.