Don Raoul Kessel, 92 years old of Paddock Lake, WI passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, WI. Born in Lacrosse, WI, Don graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL with a master’s degree in Spanish. On June 9, 1956, Don married Evelyn Hinz and lived in Glenview, IL for many years before settling in Paddock Lake, WI 25 years ago. Don started his teaching career at Gross School in Brookfield, IL and then taught seventh grade science at Thacker Junior High School and later Iroquois Junior High School, both in Des Plaines, IL. He also spent time teaching a night school Spanish class. Don was an educated man, with many interests; Civil War, early American History, woodworking, collecting wooden airplanes, and botany were among his favorites. He also volunteered as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 69. He was the proud father of three Eagle Scouts. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Evelyn; six children, Karen Margosian of Kenosha, WI, Thomas (Michelle) Kessel of Armstrong Creek, WI, Michael (Kelly) Kessel of Salem, WI, Daniel (Terri) Kessel of Silver Lake, WI, Gregory (Monica) Kessel of Richmond, IL and Benjamin (Jennifer) Kessel of Bristol, WI; grandchildren, Jeremy, John, Carol, Megan, Michael, Nicole, Allison, Jessica, Jenna, Shannon, Kevin, Natalie, Alexandra, Ann, Lorelei, Stanley and Jacob; and great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Aurora, Alia, Maddix, Marcella, Adalynn, Jeffrey, Kacie, Sammy, and Erin; siblings, Kenneth (Sandra) Kessel of East Troy, WI and Susan Baggette of Frederick, MD. Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon at Proko Funeral Home, with services commencing at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Mackinac Associates, PO Box 567, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 or through the website www.mackinacassociates.com in his memory. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Don’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
BRITTANY PALMER
April 13, 2022
Don was one of the most thoughtful and kind men I've ever known. He had a way of always making you feel like you were part of the family. He was a Renaissance man who was insatiably curious with a terrific laugh and a huge heart. I am so thankful for all the time I got to spend with him. My heart is with his family. I hope you are flooded with wonderful memories from his many years.
Mark Bergquist
April 9, 2022
My younger sister only sent me this notice two days ago. I'm sorry I wasn't able to share my condolences a little sooner. Mr. Kessel was my 7th grade math teacher when I attended Thacker Jr. High. That was 1965 to 1966. His classroom was my homeroom as well. What a good influence he was in my life and in the lives of my fellow students. I'm grateful for his dedication, and it was obvious that he enjoyed teaching. I remember fondly the start of many afternoons-- what goofy puzzle, what brain-teaser is Mr. Kessel going to stump us with today? I don't recall that I ever solved even one of them. I do recall that we had fun in his class, studying mathematics. I see that Mr. Kessel studied at Northwestern University. I, too, studied there. Another math teacher of mine, my high school geometry teacher, also studied there. The grounding that I received in mathematics I have put to use practicing architecture, working on K-12 public schools over the past forty years. My condolences to Mrs. Kessel and to the whole family. To live more than ninety years surely is a blessing from the Lord. I pray His Spirit would comfort you in your grief and prompt memories of the joys you shared over the years.Best regards, Mark Bergquist
Loralyn Perrone
April 6, 2022
Loved Mr. Kessel! 7th grade math/science at Thacker back in 1962/3. I was so bad at math, he and my dad became well acquainted! He even adopted some kittens that our momma cat had. In 1972, I became an elem. teacher in D62 and remember him coming to Orchard Place and setting up a tepee on the field. Dressed as Native Americans might have. I, as well as many other D62 students, am part of his legacy....privileged to have had a teacher who cared, made math interesting, had a sense of humor, and guided me/us to reach our full potential. RIP Lorrie (Ware) Perrone
Joanna Carlberg
April 2, 2022
My memories of Don are surrounded by his large family! I had the honor of photographing Don and Evelyn's 50th and 61st anniversary parties, as well as his 90th birthday party. Love to all the family at this sad time. Joanna Carlberg
Cindy
March 27, 2022
Condolences to the family of Mr. Kessel. He was my math teacher at Iroquois junior high. It was a difficult subject for me and Mr. Kessel was a kind and patient teacher.