Richard “Dick” Kessler, 72, of Richland died early Wednesday March 27, 2024, at his home. He was born in Fairfield November 17, 1951, to Charles L. and Betty Jean Bray Kessler. He attended Rubio and Richland grade schools and graduated from Fairfield High School. Dick worked at his father’s stores, Kessler Distributing, in Fairfield and Ottumwa. He married Rosa Lea Doolin July 20, 1985 at Lake Darling State Park. He was a lifelong farmer on the family’s 6 generation farm near Rubio and founded the Kessler Land and Cattle Company, a cow/calf operation. Dick was also an evangelist and traveled to many nations throughout Africa, India, and the Caribbean. He and Rose’s ministry, Lightning and Thunder, established bases in Lusaku, Zambia, Camaguey, Cuba, and Belize City, Belize.
Dick is survived by his wife of 38 years, children: Sandy Fiedler (Andrew) of Fairfield, Rick Kessler (Lora) of Richland, step-children: Robin Yoder (Brenda) of Central City, IA, Bob Yoder (Vicky) of Caseville, MI, Jodie Yoder of Haubstadt, IN, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and his brother Chuck Kessler of Eldon, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandchild, 1 great-grandchild and his sister Bobbie J. Johnson.
Funeral services will be 11:30 A.M. Monday April 1, 2024, at Lightning and Thunder Ministry Apostolic Center, 2875 Oak Meadow Drive, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Visitation will be held immediately preceding the funeral at 9:30 A.M. Pastor Bill Chilcote officiating. Burial will be in Old Methodist Cemetery, Richland. Memorials to Lightning and Thunder Ministries – Lusaka Mission, may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 32570 310th Street, Richland, IA 52585. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.
