Willis R. Kesling
Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
Willis Roger Kesling, 89, of Royal Center, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Woodbridge Health Campus where he received wonderful care and rehabilitation following a broken hip.
Born August 31, 1935, in Onward, Indiana, he was the youngest of seven and the last surviving child of the late Fred Cecil and Anna Rosezella (Fitzer) Kesling.
A graduate of Royal Center High School, Willie went on to serve his country in the United States Army.
Willie grew up on the family farm and knew the value of hard work at an early age. He was one of the first workers hired at the Essroc Plant when it opened in Cass County. His job of cleaning the kilns was a dangerous one, but he loved the challenge. In spite of all the risks he was exposed to, he was fortunate to never experience and health issues or accident.
Following his father’s untimely death in 1959, Willie took on the role of caretaker for his mother. He never married or had children of his own, he devoted his entire life to his mother and his family. As Uncle Willie, he was always there to help his family. He made sure his nieces and nephews got to experience manual labor so that would develop a strong work ethic.
Willie enjoyed watching sports on television. He had traveled the world with his brothers on many wonderful vacations. Willie had a fun sense of humor, and you never knew what he was going to say but it was guaranteed to make you smile. He loved dogs and had raised Doberman Pinchers. He enjoyed the visits from Woodbridge’s therapy dogs, Willie and Freddie. His family deeply appreciates the love and care shown to him at Woodbridge.
Surviving are his brother, Estell (Mary Dawn) Kesling’s children, nephew, Curtis (Tobie) Kesling and their children: Erica (Justin) Zimmer and their daughter, Paisley, and Ethan (Lexi) Kesling and their children, Kip and Kolter; and nephew, Robert (Lisa) Kesling, and their children, Rob Kesling, and Anna Kesling (Jon Raderstorf); his sister Mary Elizabeth (John) Fisher’s daughter-in-law, Dawn Fisher, who was married to his nephew, the late John David Fisher, and their children, Jonathan (Nikki) Fisher & family, Jacob (Kimberly May) Fisher, Sarah (Curtis) Wilson & daughters. and Chase (Macie) Fisher; and niece, Patricia Fisher, who passed away in February, and her children, Nicole Stark, and Jarrett (Melissa) Stark, who survive with their families. Also surviving is brother, Dick (Doris) Kesling’s children, nieces Kim Williams and Pamela (Kevin) Brady and nephew Gary (Tricia) Kesling and nephew Michael Kesling who preceded in death; his brother Irvin (Bea) Kesling’s daughters, nieces Linda (Gordon) Greenman, Laura (Mark) Argir, and Lisa (Rick) Wilson; and his brother, Norman (Mary Lou) Kesling’s family, nieces Beth Ann Kesling and Suzanne Kesling, who was married to his nephew, the late Mark Kesling. He was great uncle Willie or “Unk” to a whole host of great-nephew and great-nieces scattered all over the United States. In addition to his siblings mentioned above, he was preceded in death by an older brother, Bobby Kesling. who died in a tragic train accident when Willie was just 7 years old.
A funeral service celebrating Willie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Fisher Funeral Chapel.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Little Deer Creek Cemetery in Onward, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be in memory of Willis Kesling in support of the Little Deer Creek Cemetery Association where his parents and several family members are buried.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Willie’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.