Geraldine R. Kessler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Geraldine R. Kessler, 93, of Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2020. Gerry was born in Lemoyne on December 15, 1926, and was the daughter of Charles A. and Frances (Nye) Lonkart. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert E. Kessler, and her two brothers, Donald Lonkart and Carl Lonkart. After graduation from Lemoyne High School, Class of 1944, Gerry attended Dickinson College. In 1946, Gerry married Bob, her long-time sweetheart. In 1950, they set up their permanent residence in New Cumberland, where they lovingly raised their four children. After Bob's retirement, Gerry and Bob travelled to several continents and spent their winter months in Green Valley, Arizona. Gerry was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Lemoyne where she served in various capacities, including teaching Sunday School lessons. She and Bob were also members of the Green Valley United Methodist Church. Being a kind and giving person with a strong sense of community, Gerry became deeply involved in Girl Scouts as a Troop Leader, a day camp counselor, a service unit director, and was honored as a Life Member of the Hemlock Girl Scout Council. Gerry was a past president of the Harrisburg Study Club, a member of the New Cumberland Civic Club, and gave generously of her time as "Grandma Gerry" to read stories to pre-school children. Gerry enjoyed playing tennis and golf at West Shore Country Club, and was a staunch supporter of the Penn State Nittany Lions. She and Bob hosted many years of tailgating trips to Happy Valley and to away football games. Gerry is survived by daughters Barbara Wesby (Roger), Connie Kimmel (Paul), and Judy Killian (Doug), son Bob Kessler (Cynthia), grandchildren Carla, Tracy, Jennifer, Andy, Olivia, Gabriel, and Emma, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Extended "family" includes the many foreign exchange students from around the globe who were hosted by Gerry and Bob. The family would like to give special thanks to Gerry's caregivers and to Hospice for All Seasons. Gerry's memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Avenue in Lemoyne, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Avenue, Lemoyne, PA 17043, or to the Hemlock Girl Scout Council, 350 Hale Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17104. Published on Pennlive.com and in The Patriot-News

Geraldine R. Kessler

December 15, 1929 - January 9, 2020