Stephen E. Kessler, 64, of Olney died unexpectedly at his home November 10, 2016.

He was born March 18, 1952 in Olney, Illinois to Robert and Shirley (Brock) Kessler. He was a retired CPA and owned his own accounting firm in Delray Beach, Florida for a number of years. The family returned to Olney in 1992 and Steve managed the family farm.

Steve was a member of the East Richland School Board. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and taking his granddaughters on adventures. Watching his son play the guitar was another one of Steve's favorite activities.

Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Sadie and Pan Hawkins, a sister-in-law Judy (Lovelace) Bass, and two brother-in-laws Gene Lovelace and Whit Hawkins.

Steve is survived by his parents Robert and Shirley (Brock) Kessler of Olney, wife, Jeni (Hawkins) Kessler of Olney; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Sidney (Fore) Kessler of Aurora, IL; daughter and son-in-law Derek and Emily (Kessler) Kirk of Madisonville, KY; grandaughters Sadie and Maddie Kirk of Madisonville KY.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday November 18, 2016 at the Old Tyme Steakhaus from 5-7pm. Memorial contributions may be made to East Richland Foundation for Academic Excellence (ERFAE).

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home obituary posted - November 14, 2016