Lowell Marrion Kessler, 94 of Piedmont, SD, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Fort Meade VA Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Nathan Ennis officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the service at the funeral chapel.

Lowell was born December 24, 1918, to Harvey and Nellie (Cox) Kessler in Okaton, SD. He grew up on the family homestead just north of Okaton. Lowell attended the Kessler country school. He worked on the family farm until he joined the Navy in 1942. While in the service, he was aboard the USS Louisville in the Pacific Theatre. Lowell was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to the family farm. In 1946, he married Dorothy Erickson in Billings, MT. He owned and operated the Phillips 66 service station and bulk delivery service in Okaton. In 1959, the family moved to the Black Hills area. Lowell worked at Fort Meade for 27 years.

Some of his hobbies were gardening, fishing, and beekeeping (a hobby that became a job). Lowell really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons, David Kessler of Piedmont, Dan (Carol) Kessler of Black Hawk, and Randy (Janet) Kessler of Bremerton, WA; two sisters, Lorraine Waitman of Belle Fourche, and Ester (Art) Arp of Belle Fourche; four brothers, Glen (Hazel) Kessler of Buffalo, WY, Harvey (Janet) Kessler of Mesa, AZ, Loyal (Inge) Kessler of Red Lodge, MT, and Larry (Wanda) Kessler of Kearney, NE; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Lowell was preceded in death by both parents and his wife.

A memorial has been established to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Click on link to view service folder