Andrew Delbert Kesler

ANDREW DELBERT KESLER December 1, 1932 - September 5, 2014 Andrew Delbert Kesler, age 81 of rural Sebeka, MN, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, September 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Andy was born on December 1, 1932 to Ray and Ruby (McGee) Kesler in Marshall, IL. He attended country school near his home and then went on to graduate from the Marshall High School with the Class of 1951. Already a member of the Naval Reserves, Andy entered active duty and became a member of the Navy Sea Bees serving in the Phillipine Islands during the Korean War. Upon receiving his honorable discharge in 1953, Andy entered the Rose Poly Technical Institute in Terre Haute, Indiana. He married his high school sweetheart, Margie Mae Lee on December 23, 1954. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Victoria, Martin, Matthew and Douglas. Andy graduated from Rose Poly with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. After graduating, he moved to Plainview, Texas with his wife and infant daughter and gained employment with the Southwestern Public Service Company for four years. In 1962, he moved with his growing family to the Hartford, CT area where he worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft designing fuel cells for the Apollo Space Program, the Lunar Excursion Module and the Moon Orbital Lab. In 1968, he moved to Kingston, NY where he designed computers for IBM. In November of 1973, Andy chose to leave his electrical engineering career and farm full-time. He moved with his family to Northern MN where he bought a farm near Sebeka. He engaged in organic dairy Farming and later organic beef production. He farmed actively right up until the time of his death. Andy enjoyed keeping abreast of current events. He had a sharp interest in politics and served as the chairman of the Wadena County Republicans for many years. He was a staunch conservative who believed in following the constitution. He also valued being a good steward of the land and always practiced good land management seeking to leave his land better than he found it. Throughout his life, Andy felt an obligation to mentor young people in becoming successful in their pursuits whether they are engineering, farming or politics. Above all, Andy dedicated his life to his precious wife, children and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 60 years, Margie; his daughter, Victoria Kesler Gullett; his three sons: Martin (Cindy) Kesler of Miltona, MN, Matthew Kesler and Douglas (Rebecca) Kesler all of Sebeka; five grandchildren: David Gullett, Abigail Kesler, Laura Kesler, Megan Kesler and Ethan Kesler; his sister, Ruby (Ralph) Cook of Marshall, IL; one brother, Jason Kesler of Bloomfield, KY; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Andy was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Alice Eirhart; three brothers: Ray Jr., Charles and Nobel; a nephew, William Kesler and two twin grandsons: Jacob Tyler and Joshua Martin Kesler. Funeral services will be held 1PM Monday, September 8, 2014 at the FaithBridge Church In Park Rapids. A time of visitation will begin at 12 Noon.