Obituary
Thomas Warren Kessler
Thomas Warren Kessler passed away on Friday, January 10th 2025 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born October 19th 1934 in La Crosse, WI to Harry and Catherine (Roningen) Kessler. The middle son of three boys, Tom graduated from Logan High School in 1952 and the following year he went to work for G. Heileman Brewing Company until his retirement in 1996. He entered the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 where he was a tank commander.
In 1959 he met the love of his life, Jacqueline Aylsworth, and they were married that same year. This past December they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, still as much in love as the day they met. Together Tom and Jackie raised three wonderful children; Linda, David and Lisa. Years later a grandson, Joe, came into their lives who they proudly raised as their own.
Tom was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge both in La Crosse and in Punta Gorda, FL and a member of the Onalaska American Legion as well. Proudly known to his grandkids as the Boss of La Crosse, Tom was someone that would make friends anywhere he went and with people both young and old.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jackie. His younger brother, Gary (Linda) Kessler. His daughter Linda Zwiener, son David (Karen) Kessler, and son Joseph (Carly) Kessler. Grandchildren Jennifer Halverson, Justin Miller, Nicholas (Brianna) Mickschl, Ryan (Lindsey) Mickschl, Danielle (Richard) Johnson, Ally Kessler and Jamie (Derick) Kessler. Great Grandchildren; Bailey, Conner, Avery, Jackson, Ayden, Madalynn, Mason, Lilah, Knox, Rohen, Rylan, Lachlan, Lane, Kaysen, Kylen, and Crue.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Joseph and Verna Aylsworth, older brother Harold, brother in-law Jimmy Aylsworth and son in-law John Zwiener. January 11, 2025 marked 15 years for Tom and Jackie without their daughter Lisa and it comforts us to know that they are together now.
The family would like to thank Mayo’s hospice staff for their kindness and compassion. After a couple whirlwind days, their ability to put his pain at ease made sending him off on his next adventure a little easier.
To say the world won’t be the same without Tom is an understatement. He was someone that loved life, lived it fully and did it all without judgement to anyone. Think of him whenever you hear a good joke, enjoy a cheers with friends or find yourself surrounded with the fun of your family.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 25th beginning at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse, WI. A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 beforehand. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember my Mom talking about going dancing on Saturday nights with Tom & Jackie along with Lois & Brick all those years ago.
Gary & Linda Heilman
My mom (Lois ) talks about all the fun times that they had with them too Linda. RIP Tom
We will miss his sweet smile every Sunday morning at Trinity. He was such a nice fella! RIP Tom, blessings of peace to you Jackie. 💕
Sending prayers and condolences to the Kessler Family.
Tom will be missed .I had the pleasure of working with him for over 30 years my condolances to Jackie and family
I can proudly say I had one of “BEST” Brother In Laws you could ever ask for. We had Soooo many great time together with family and friends. Wether it was camping ,the boat house,our “GREAT” trip to Nashville,and our Family gatherings and of coures our wedding anniversary which we shared the same date Dec 12
Sure going to miss the old Horses !!! family joke. R.I.P. My Friend WE Love Ya !
Such a nice man and wonderful customer. God Bless Tom’s and his family.
Jackie and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Tom at Trinity on Sundays. His kind smile and hand shake was so special. May your many wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Rest in peace Tom. Thoughts and prayers are with you Jackie.
I got to know Tom, Jackie & Dave while working at the G. Heileman Brewery,, needles to say.. all the Kesslers were a joy to know. Tom was a person you could look-up too and always a person who was ready to help if the need arose. He will be missed..!
My thoughts, prayers and Love goes out to all the Kessler Family. What a great man he was. Love, Holly(Anderson)Brenner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Tom will sure be missed he was a great guy.No more dick flicks.Love you all Lisa and Jim Roth