Wilma F. Kessler

Wilma passed peacefully in her sleep at Bayfield Assisted Living on June 17, 2026. She was married to Leo Kessler for 57 years until his passing in 2011. Family was a central focus to Wilma and she is survived by her adult children Lynette Kessler, Mark (Karen) Kessler, Lori Hartley (Gabe Wetterstrom); grandchildren, Janelle Finn, Jason (Courtney) Kessler and Michael Kessler; great grandchildren, Lydia and Logan Finn, Maverick, Camden, Austyn and Decklyn Kessler; brother, Lester (Carolyn) Boettcher; sister, Carol Kerr; sister-in-law, Sandy Boettcher; her first cousin and best friend, Connie Conn, and many relatives from the Sauer family. She is predeceased by brothers, Jerry and Dennis Boettcher and her parents, Frieda and Harold Boettcher. Her maternal grandparents came from Ukraine to Michigan in 1909.

Wilma believed strongly in being civically engaged. She was a founding board member of Brian’s House - Bay County’s first hospice program when hospice was a new concept. She served multiple years as treasurer for the 4H Horsemanship for Handicap program, and The Questers Wenona Chapter. She was a founding member of the Olde Thyme Herb Society and remained a member for 50 years.

A master basket weaver Wilma was active in the Alpena Thunder Bay Basket Weavers Guild and sold her baskets at craft shows for decades. For 20 years she attended classes at Saginaw Valley University in history and current political affairs. She was a member of St John’s Lutheran church and attended weekly bible study. A very non-serious golfer and bowler she was on weekly leagues for over 50 years.

The family would like to thank Bayfield Assisted Living for their kind, loving, and professional care provided the past 18 months. Wilma participated in various activities from crafts to cardio drumming, and fun events like betting on the Kentucky Derby when staff members dressed up as horses and raced! A graduate of Handy High School Wilma was delighted to find former classmates at Bayfield. Wilma continued to have joy and laughter in her life.

A memorial service for Wilma will be taking place on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Gephart Funeral Home at 5:30 p.m. with Pastor James Bare officiating the service. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Wishes of the Family.