Grocer Al Kessel passed away Friday December 28, 2012.
"Big Al" was the founder of Kessel Food Markets, supermarkets that served Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Corunna from 1981 to 2000. Al was also a co-principal owner of Pet Supplies Plus. He continued being a merchant with local Save-A-Lot Food stores and Pet Supplies Plus stores throughout Michigan.
Albert Francis Kessel, Jr. a baptized child of God, was born on August 16, 1938 in Owosso, Michigan. He was the son of Albert F. Kessel, Sr.and Esther V. (LaChance) Kessel. Al, also known as "Bud" attended St. Paul School in Owosso, Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, and Michigan State University in East Lansing.
His career began as an accountant at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids. He switched positions to the grocery business working as the Comptroller of Spartan stores, also in Grand Rapids. In 1963, he became the Treasuer of Giant Food Stores of Carisle, Pennsylvania. At that time, Giant was a small family grocery company and grew through acquisitions of Martin supermarkets in Maryland.
In 1973, Al came back to Michigan and became Executive Vice President of Hamady Brothers Supermarkets. December of 1981, he opened his first stores in Saginaw, Michigan. Kessel Food Markets expanded to Corunna, the Flint community and Bay City. Mr. Kessel always believed in serving the inner-city communities of Flint and Saginaw. In 1988, Kessel Food Markets won the grocery industry's award "Supermarket of the Year" for the store on Genesee Street, Saginaw Michigan. And again in 1993, for the Kessel store on Pierson Road at the North end of Flint. It was the first time that such an award was given to a supermarket located in the inner city. Kessel Food Markets was an innovative retailer. Kessel Food Markets was a successful supermarket company due to the hard work of its thousands of Associates.
Al also believed in the philosophy; "from those that are blessed, much is expected." Al established the Kessel College Fund for Kessel associates. He paid for over 1000 Kessel associates College educations, mostly those at local colleges and universities. Mr. Kessel also established a summer basketball camp for youngsters in the inner-city of Flint in late 1980's and 1990's. Al also established a charitable trust, in memory of his first wife Bette, an annual golf tournament for women, "Women Like You". It became a foundation for breast cancer research and imaging.
Al was an avid golfer. He was a former member of the Flint Golf Club. He was the President of The Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples, FL for the past five years. His passion for golf led him to numerous golf memberships in Northern Michigan. Al was a member of various boards -- both institutions and charitable organizations.
Al is survived by his wife Colette Marcoux Lehoux Kessel and nine children: Beth Ann (Joseph) Menard of Yardley, PA; Virginia Gephart of Wellsville, PA, Charlene (Frank) Brown of Grand Blanc, Thomas Kessel of Grand Blanc, Timothy (Ginger) Kessel of Charlotte, NC, James Kessel of Grand Blanc, Marc Lehoux of Gulfport, FL, Anita McClimans of Naple, FL, and Jeannine Lehoux (Barry) Siewart of South Pasadena, FL. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, and siblings Janet Lewis, Alabama, James Robert, Florida, and William, California. Al was preceded in death by his first wife, Bette V., son Ronald Lehoux, son-in-law Mike Gephart, and sister Mary Alice Hausbeck. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane. Naples, Fl 34105 or your favorite charity in memory of Al.
Visitation will be at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 South Saginaw Street in Grand Blanc on Thursday evening January 3rd from 4 pm to 8 pm. as well Friday, January 4th, 4pm to 8pm with a Rosary at 7PM. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday January 5th at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 South Saginaw Street in Grand Blanc, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 5, 2022
Work
Bill and Brenda Wineland
Tom, Tim, and Jim my sincere condolences to you and your family,I think of you all often, your father was a great friend, employer, and mentor. I was setting in the upstairs office in Owosso, when you're Dad got the message that your grandfather had passed, I tried to console him. When my father was ill, your family was there for me, God be with all of you
June 29, 2013
Cindy Kennedy/Magness
We would like to send our condolances to the Kessel family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gordon & Cindy Kennedy/Magness
February 1, 2013
Cecilia Cunningham
Dear Colette, Our family has been praying for your family and will continue to pray that God blesses you with comfort as you grieve the loss of Al. The great Healer is now attending to Al and he is now at peace. May God strengthen you and your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Peace and Blessings,
January 28, 2013
Thanks Tom it was very nice hearing from you please contact me Emmitt Jenkins at 662 822-5428.
576 Wintergreen Street Greenville Ms. 38701. Love you guys so much.
January 17, 2013
A wonderful man, human being. Someone who made the world better while here and left the world a better place when he left. What more can we do really? Those of us who knew him and those who called him friend, were the fortunate ones. My prayers go with him on his next journey.
Someone who knew him -
January 11, 2013
Kaley Alburtus-Douglas
I worked for Kessel's from the time I was 16 to the time I was 20. Mr. Kessel was always a wonderful guy and very sweet to me. His family was wonderful. When my mom, Jonnie Alburtus, passed away in 1996, (a long time employee and manager) the Kessel family was absolutely wonderful to us. One of the best things Mr. Kessel did for me, was the tuition program they had. This allowed me to go to school. Thank you so much for being a great employer and a wonderful man. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family, as they mourn your loss. God Bless.
January 8, 2013
TO THE KESSEL FAMILY TIM, JIM AND TOM, MY PRAYERS AND LOVE GO OUT TO EACH OF YOU, I AM SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF "BIG AL" AND AT THE SAME TIME REJOICE TO KNOW OUR TIME HERE ON EARTH IS SHORT AND TO KNOW HE WAS A CHILD OF GOD AND IN A BETTER PLACE WITH JESUS, AND I KNOW THIS BY HIS FRUIT AND THE LOVE HE SHOWED TO HIS FELLOW MAN. THE MANY LIVES HE TOUCHED WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, I WILL NEVER FORGET THE LOVE AND OPPURTUNITY THAT THE KESSEL FAMILY GAVE TO ME.
PASTOR EMMITT JENKINS (GREENVILLE MS)
January 6, 2013
Dale & Kathy Moon
Our deepest sympathy to Al's family. Our son Scott Moon worked as an apprentice meat cutter at the Corunna Kessel Food Market. On March 22, 1989 he was killed in auto accident. Mr Kessel reached out to our family with deep compassion sending a personal letter of condolence, food to our home and offering assistance in the days ahead with insurance and the like. Even after all these years his kindness has never been forgotten. We will always remember him a good man who gave witness to his faith in the way he treated his fellow man. May he rest in eternal peace, a peace he so justly deserves. Yours in Christ, The Moon Family
P.S. Scott was really happy in his work a Kessel and spoke offen of the opportunities he was given to learn and advance in his young career.
January 5, 2013
Judy
I still shop Krogers with my Kessels card. God bless.
January 5, 2013
A great Grandfather who will be forever missed by everyone whom he touched. We love you and we'll see you again someday. Rest in peace Grandpa..
January 5, 2013
Jim, my condolences on the death of your father--may he see the face of God today. A friend from U-M Flint days, Veronica
January 5, 2013
Margaret
Wow, I remember this store when I grew up in Saginaw Michigan, that was over 27 years ago. I send my condolences to the Kessel families. May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU. Amen- Roman 15:33
January 5, 2013
Al Kessel and family- you were my first boss and home since 1995 at Kroger all the way up until 2008 at Save A Lot. I loved watching your commercials as a teenager. You have helped me become a lot of who I am today. I have been thinking of you for the passed week. You are a great man. The Kessel family and I know each other very well to this day. Thanks for bringing us together. I will always remember "Were With You":) You put that smile on my face even after the very few times I met you. Rest in peace. You will always be in my heart. Love, Cynnie Burns
January 4, 2013
David & Mary Jean
James, Your dad would be very happpy for your kind and giving nature. May you continue the legacy of this good, generous and humble man. May his soul rest in peace. We love you.
January 4, 2013
Jerry Shimon
Regards to the family and condolences.
January 4, 2013
Joan Libby
January 4, 2013
Valerie Haight
I never met Mr. Kessel, but I remember his commercials and what a down to earth person he seemed to be. Everything I've heard of him is that he was a kind and generous man. Even though the stores are now owned by Kroger, most of us in Flint still call them "Kessels" and probably always will. My prayers go out to his family.
January 4, 2013
Kessel Family - Your husband, father, grandfather was such a wonderful man to work for. He was kind, thoughtful and caring...he will be missed
Karen (Ford) Newbegin (MI)
January 4, 2013
Joy Cooper
A wonderful person who was always there to gave to his neighbor when in need. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
January 4, 2013
Gail Zambon
January 3, 2013
Al was a very fine neighbor in Kings Pointe for a lot of years. I had great respect for him and his family.
Sue Colavincenzo+
January 3, 2013
Brent Holt
Al was truly a wonderful wonderful person. He will be deeply missed. He was wonderful to work for as well as to know. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of his family at this sad time.
Brent & Jennifer Holt
January 3, 2013
Stephen Messenger
When Al gets to the pearly gates, St. Peter will tell him, "come on in, Al. we're with you". Rest in peace.
January 3, 2013
Stewart Newblatt
Colette - we are so sorry for your loss. Al was a great friend. He was one of the most ethical clients I ever had. I hope to see you soon up North. Love, Flora and Stew
January 3, 2013
To the Kessel Family; our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I moved in Kings Pointe and met Jim and his father not long after. What wonderful neighbors.
Darren, Janice, Tarah, Nathan, Dylan and Meghan Lawitzke
January 3, 2013
Colette, our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. It was a privilege to have known Al, and we will always remember his "can do" attitude and the twinkle in his eye! He will be missed by all who knew him. Sis Van Dorn and George Jacobs
January 3, 2013
Mike Hamelin
Colette, Tom, Tim and the Kessel Family,
Al was one of the very best; admired and respected like few others. Michigan Grocers Association was among the many organizations that benefited from Al's support and volunteer leadership. Sincere condolences to you all. "We're with you."
January 3, 2013
Judy Carter
I met Al about 10 years ago in Naples, Florida when installing a telephone system in the new family home. I found Al to be a really down to earth, gracious guy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and wish to offer my sincerest condolences to Colette. He will be missed by many!
January 3, 2013
Jim & Sandra Olsen
To the Kessel family.....Our thoughts and prayers be with you in your time of mourning. Be comforted and proud when you remember all the fond memories. Bless you all!
January 2, 2013
Aunt Colette, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved uncle Al. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed by all of his nieces and nephews! We Love you!
Annette & Richard Lafond
January 2, 2013
Colette, our thoughts & prayers are with you and Family at this most
difficult time. We are deeply saddened by these turn of events and will
certainly be there with you Friday & Saturday. Al has been a great
inspiration to all on many fronts. May his soul forever rest in peace.
Allen & Mary Ann McAvoy - Belmont, MI
January 2, 2013
Chuckie and Frank and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ed and Marnie Hess. Camp Hill, PA
January 2, 2013
Al will be greatly missed. He respected and care about people. Steve Batdorff
January 2, 2013
Charline Rivard
Dear Aunt Colette
I was very saddened to hear about the loss of Uncle Al. My thoughts are with you at this time and I am sending you my love.
Charline & Ralph Rivard
January 1, 2013
David Pinna
My deepest sympathy to the Kessel family and friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Al in the 70's and early 80's back in the Hamady Brothers days. He was a wonderful man. Our family send thier regards and sympathy to your family.
David Pinna and family.
January 1, 2013
Dear Colette & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. He was a fighter the past few years and may it be of some comfort knowing that he is now free of pain and suffering. May all of your wonderful memories help to ease your sorrow. May God Bless you.
Nick & Carol Ferreri Ft. Myers Beach, FL
January 1, 2013
Teneya Parrish
December 31, 2012
Fr. Duane Wachowiak
Al was a very generous man and will be missed. Colette and family, you are in our prayers; Fr. Duane and the Boyne Valley Catholic Community
December 31, 2012
Collette, over the past few years I have come to know and appreciate Al for the man that he was. He was a good man, and a true leader. He accomplished a lot in his lifetime, and was very successful in business. But far more important, he was genuinely a good neighbor to all he dealt with, and that is what our lives are supposed to be about. There is no doubt in my mind that he has gone straight to Heaven, and has been welcomed with an "atta boy"� and "well done"�. I know what a great loss this is to you, but you should be consoled that he is at peace with God.
Don Giffels
December 31, 2012
Dawn Turner
I worked for Al Kessel at his Mount Morris location for 11 years. I must say he was one of the greatest people I ever worked for. He really cared about us as employees and treated us right. He would go above and beyond for us,if we needed anything he would be sure we had it. What a sad day.... My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family... Sorry about your loss.
December 31, 2012
Dawn Dupuis
I started working for Al in 1988 and worked at all of his stores in one way or another and then worked at the corporate office for a while before going back into the Saginaw stores. Twenty-four years ago Al hired me for the New Kessel's Store opening in Saginaw and I can not write everything of what I have learned from this man
or how much I appreciated the education, kindness, and most of all the laughter we shared. He will be truly miss and I will always be grateful to him for allowing me to work for and with him.
December 31, 2012
Eileen (Herwig) Westenheffer
Chuckie, so sorry to hear of your dad's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
December 31, 2012
cynthia ostrander
Mr Kessel was very generous man and very nice man to work for.He was generous with his employees.Thank Mr Kessel...R.I.P.
December 31, 2012
joseph gall
So sorry to see such a kind pass.mayGOD be with his love ones.
December 31, 2012
George Carpenter
Dear Colette-Carol and I were saddened to hear of Al's death. He was a warm and unselfish man who was a valued leader and who was most generous with his time and assets. I greatly value the time spent with him in Flint Rotary and at the Country Club of Boyne. Our prayers are with you and your family.
December 31, 2012
Denise (LaChance) Thompson
Janet, Jim, and Bill,
I was so sorry to hear about Al. When I was with Bill this summer he told me about Al. He was in my thoughts and prayers then as he is now. As are you and the rest of the family. He was a great man. He will be missed by all his family and all who knew him.
December 31, 2012
Terri Nagel
Dear Colette, Steve and I were deeply sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was such a wonderful and kind man and will be missed by all who knew him. Our love and prayers are with you.
December 31, 2012
Kenneth Merhar
Jim, You and your family are in my prayers. Your father was a very kind and giving man.
December 31, 2012
Ray Costello
I can truly say that I would not be where I am today without Mr. Kessels guidance and belief in me. He was a great man and will be missed.
December 31, 2012
marc gilson
" Kessel food stores hired me for my first job when i was 15 at the old store on bay rd in saginaw. I have very fond memorys of that job,and the people that i worked with, I was also rehired when i returned from the military. I only met Al once but we had a good conversation. My prayers go out to the family. Marc gilson ( queen creek, AZ
December 31, 2012
Paula and Jodi Williams
One of the best men I had the privilege to work for. Treated his customers and employees like he really cared for them. He was a good man and will be sorely missed by all.
December 31, 2012
Jill Barney-Poe
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You know how much this man meant to me and many others. I feel priveleged to have been a part of the Kessel family. I am glad you are able to see from this venue what an impact he had on the lives of so many. He will be missed
December 31, 2012
Steven Stoy
Al was an inspiration and role model for me. When I worked for Al at Hamady and then at Kessel Food Markets as it's Controller I learn a great deal. I have often thought of Al through out the years. Please give my specialscondolences to Tom and Tim who I also worked closley with. Will always keep good thoughts about my time with Kessel Foods.
Steven A. Stoy
December 31, 2012
Jack McCaslin
Al was a wonderful person who comes only once in a lifetime
he did so much for people.
It is so sad there are only a handful like him in the world today
he will truly be missed
December 31, 2012
Amy Weaver
To the family and friends of Mr. Kessel...you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have never met this special man, but I remember shopping in his stores with my grandmothers as a kid. Reading about him, I hold alot of respect for him for his generosity and for taking care of his community the way he did. That is very special. God Bless this wonderful man!
December 31, 2012
Karen Felder
Mr. Al Kessel family,,His services to our community were invaluable. My condolences for the loss of your dear loved one, a true trailblazer! I would like to leave a comforting scripture with you. LUKE 23:43`'Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise."
December 31, 2012
To the family........Your in my thoughts at this very sad time and I know how this feels and I believe that God will wrap his arms round you when you need His strength. Kathryn Ball [Kampfschulte]
December 31, 2012
Glenn Bubenheimer
Used to shop there when a GMI student, me and my buddies loved the "we're with you" commercials and imitated them-- very effective! His kindness came through!
December 30, 2012
JOANNE NIEMAN
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 30, 2012
Mike Burns
Al Kessel was a good man. I worked for Kessel's in Saginaw through high school and college along with a number of my friends. Reading his obituary gives me a further respect for him.
December 30, 2012
Former Employeee
I worked for Mr Kessel as a cashier when he first opened up in Saginaw. He was a good man to work for. He treated his people with respect and dignity.
December 30, 2012
Bridget
Jim, You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
December 30, 2012
Rest in peace,Al! A standup guy and a great man!
December 30, 2012
John Flukes
Colette and Family,
I was saddened to hear about Al passing.
Please know how very sorry I am.
Hold on to your memories as I will.
December 30, 2012
Joe Baumgart
Colette
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Al was a
good man and will be missed.
December 30, 2012
Colette and Family, I was saddened to hear of Al's passing. Please know how very sorry I am.
Al will be missed, after working with him
for the passed 17 years.
John Flukes
December 30, 2012
Jim Growney
Colette: So deeply sorry about Al's passing. He is one of the truly amazing people I have ever met. Smart, passionate for doing the right thing, unbelievable organizational skills that helped save Quail West and so many other positive attributes that made him such an admired and respected soul to everyone who knew him.
God Bless you and Al.
December 30, 2012
Charlene and Joe Sproles
Our deepest sympathy to you, Collette, and the family. We hope it helps in some small way to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Al was such a giving person who will be sorely missed by all. May God give you strength to get through these difficult time.
December 30, 2012
Barb Erickson
Colette, my heart goes out to you. Al was a wonderful man. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. God Bless You.
December 30, 2012
Al was a good friend whom we knew from The Country Club of Boyne and in Florida. Our condolences to Colette and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy & Bob Mills (Boyne City, MI and Naples, FL)
December 30, 2012
Debbie Graham
To the Kessel family, my thoughts and prayer's for your family,
December 30, 2012
Carl Lombard
Tom,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family during this sad time in your lives. We didn't know your dad but what we read about him helps us to understand why he was so respected and loved in the community. You can take some comfort in the positive influence he had on many lives and his unselfish contibutions to charitable causes. Those are the marks of a truly great man.
December 30, 2012
COLETTE, YOUR GOLFING PALS HERE AT BOYNE GRIEVE WITH YOU. HE WAS A UNIQUE MAN AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.
FRANCES SHEPARD, HARBOR SPRINGS
December 30, 2012
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
December 30, 2012
Raymond Huston
Collette,
My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
December 30, 2012
Kessel family - sorry to hear of Al's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl, Brian, Sarah, and Jennifer Webb
December 30, 2012
Dr. Joseph Jaksa
My deep and sincere sympathies to the entire Kessel family.
I began working for Mr. Kessel at his Pierson Road store when it opened in 1982. Working for Mr. Kessel was pivotal for me to establish my college education, as I was a gracious recipient of his educational tuition/scholarship fund.
Now as a criminal justice professor, I see the importance of community benefactors like Al giving back to the young ladies and gentlemen with the financial help needed to succeed in college. These wonderful people are now too few and far between.
Godspeed Mr. Kessel and thank you again!
December 30, 2012
Our sympathy goes out to the entire Kessel family, at this time. Mr Kessel was a great man, with vision, and a real desire to help other people. He always treated me with respect and dignity, and I am a better person for having had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Respectfully, Gary L Rubelman
December 30, 2012
Mr and Mrs. Gary Rubelman, Owosso, Michigan 48867
December 30, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Colette and your family at this profoundly difficult time...may God bless and support you all during the days to come. Al and my husband, Dr George (Tom) Bowles, were friends for many years ... may they enjoy a friendly game of golf together in Heaven.
Vija Bowles
December 30, 2012
Colette, I am so sorry and so deeply saddened to hear about Al. I have prayed and will continue to pray for you and your family. He was such an amazing person and he touched so many lives. It is a true honor to have known him for as long as I can remember, such a great man. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers. Tom and Jennifer Bowles
December 30, 2012
Jack Shevillo
Al was a great man and will be missed by all.May God bless
his entire family during this sad time.We as golfing friends
will miss him very much.God created this special man on
earth and now has called him home.God bless AL KESSEL.
December 30, 2012
TOM SAWYER
MY FATHER CAUGHT MANY OF AL'S ITEMS HE THREW DURING THE KESSEL COMMERCIALS R.I.P. MR.KESSEL YOU WILL BE MISSED
December 30, 2012
Shannon Huff
To the Kessel family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Al was a great man to work for and He will be missed by all
December 30, 2012
I worked for Kessels for almost 20 years, and always said he was the REAL DEAL. He knew your name, and the names of your family members, and he had 20 stores. Very genuine person who cared about his employees. And his sons were the same. My condolences to the Kessel family of whom I consider myself a member.
Patrick Edgington (Owosso Mi)
December 30, 2012
Colette, our prayers are with you and the rest of Al's family. He was a wonderful man, as you well know.
Joe & Marlene Juhasz
December 30, 2012
Diane Demers
Colette, my heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
I think of you often and want you to know I am thinking of you now.
December 30, 2012
Linda Murdock
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
December 30, 2012
M. L.
Rest in peace, Mr. Kessel. You gave so much to us customers and residents and we are forever grateful.
You never forgot about us.
Sincere condolences to your family and friends.
December 29, 2012
Jason Young
I worked for Kessel Foods for eight years, Mr. Kessel was one of the best folks to work for--he genuinely cared about his employees, went above and beyond the call of duty for them and his customers. He will be missed and fondly remembered. God Bless Al Kessel.
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