Kenneth Andrew Kessel

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 2:29 pm

Kenneth Andrew Kessel, 93, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at McKendree Village Health Care Center in Hermitage, Tenn. Private graveside services will be held at Phelps Cemetery in Decorah, in the spring. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.

Kenneth was born May 5, 1923, in Waukon, the son of Andrew and Bessie (Thornton) Kessel. The family moved to Decorah, when Kenneth was one year old. He attended Decorah schools and graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1942. Kenneth was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in February 1943, and later transferred to the U.S. Army. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, serving in Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. He worked as an auditor for various companies.

Kenneth is survived by one sister, Mabel Cox of Decorah, and by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helen Kessel and Margaret Bjerke; and by one brother, Robert Kessel.