Obituary
Guest Book
1920
2015
Newell L. Kessinger passed away in Winter Park, Florida on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was born on August 21, 1920 in Hillsboro, Illinois to Ernest J. and Gertrude A. Kessinger. He married Mary Ellen Price in San Marcus, Texas on December 16, 1944. She preceded him in death on September 16, 2014. They previously resided in Farmington, IL, Grayslake, IL, and most recently in Winter Springs, FL.
He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during WW II. He held Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education degrees from Illinois State Normal University and had taught instrumental music for 33 years in Farmington, IL and Grayslake, IL. “Kess” touched the lives of countless band students throughout his long teaching career and is remembered fondly by his former students. He was always musically active in his church, most recently singing in the choir and directing the handbell choir at St. Richards Episcopal Church. He loved traveling with his family and was an avid golfer.
He is survived by his sons John (Paula) Kessinger of Winter Springs, FL and William (Lee) Kessinger of East Moline, IL. His grandchildren are: Stephen (Tanja) Kessinger, Danielle Kessinger, Matthew (Stephanie) Kessinger; also Shelley (James) Brennan, Sara (Garth) Huston, and Scott (Brenna) Kessinger and their mother Sandy Kessinger. Great-grandchildren are Leon and Julian Kessinger, Hannah and Hobbs Huston, Alex and Ryan Kessinger and Catherine Brennan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Gloria Kessinger of Colorado Springs, CO, sister-in-law Jane (Bill) Schueler of San Mateo, CA, and brother-in-law Herbert C. Price of Huntley, IL. His nieces and nephews include Paula (Frank) Megorden, Terri (Howard Lankford) Cotten, Greg (Jackie) Kessinger, Robert (Nancy) Tepperman, Katherine (Roy) Bukstein, Sara (Rick) Tustin, and Charles Price.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ellen, son Thomas J. Kessinger, brother E. Melvin Kessinger, brother-in-law Marvin Tepperman, and sister-in-law Jean Price.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10 AM at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Winter Park, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Newell L. and Mary Ellen Kessinger Celebratory Music Fund at St. Richards Episcopal Church, 5151 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, FL 32792.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 21, 2019
Student
Rick Beck
March 6, 2016
Rick Beck
Mr. Kessinger was my band leader in both grade school and high school in Grayslake. He permitted me to play drums in the high school band while I was still in grade school. Everyone loved "Kess." He was by far my favorite teacher!
Be at rest with the Lord.
Thank you for your direction and kindness.
October 14, 2015
Jeff Pope
Mr. Kessinger was my band director from 1974 through 1978. He affected my life in a very meaningful way.
Jeffrey Pope, class of 1978
June 1, 2015
Patty Keefe Sloan
Mr. Kessinger, Your legacy lives on at GCHS! Even to those of us not in band your kindness and passion were evident.
April 29, 2015
Sara & Rick Tustin
Dearest Uncle Newell, you will be forever in our hearts. We fondly remember your kind, gentle spirit, and your wonderful sense of humor.
April 3, 2015
Jack Hoeldt Sr
Thank you for the years of service, mentorship, and friendship Mr Kessinger. May GOD, CHRIST and Mrs. K Welcome you home to Heaven with arms wide open and a Thanks for a job well done...RIP Kess
March 31, 2015
Lee Borzewski - Blahak
You were a part of my love of music. Thank You Kess!
Rest In Peace
March 30, 2015
Dona Hoffer
Mr. Kessinger, your love of music will play forever in the halls of GCHS. R.I.P. gentle sir.
March 29, 2015
Jo Davis Melton
Thank you, Mr. Kessinger, for the legacy of music you gave to me and hundreds and hundreds of other appreciative kids. Today, more than 50+ years later, I played my flute in my church in your honor --- so blessed to have had you AND your family in my life!!
March 29, 2015
Pam Rockenbach Relitz
You were well loved Kess.
March 29, 2015
Bill Keller
Thank you, Mister Kessinger, for teaching me how to play musical instruments, and thank you for teaching me to appreciate fine music.
Mister Kessinger's gentle but direct approach teaching his students the correct way to play their musical instrument, with perfection, is just one of many tributes to his memory. Mister Kessinger's leadership is the reason Grayslake High School is remembered for having many bands regarded as the best in the state of Illinois. Mister Kessinger was very good to me, and appointed me Drum Major of our marching band so I would not have to lug that heavy tuba around.
When first introduced to you, your name was Mister Kessinger. Sixty years later, you are still Mister Kessinger to me, and I shall always remember you as MISTER Kessinger.
March 29, 2015
Mike Ridey
Kess was not only my music teacher from 4th grade through high school, but the Kessingers were also close family friends in Grayslake. After retirement they remained very close friends, although living far apart. Kess was a great teacher and a kind man who instilled in me a love of music that I will never lose.
Rest in peace, my friend.
March 27, 2015
Lee Horner Kessinger
Thank you for being a huge part of my life, Kess! I will miss you every day. Thank you for helping me with my music, my horn and believing in me while I was a teenager. I always enjoyed spending family time with you before and after Bill and I were married. Nobody will ever take your place in my heart. I will love you forever!!
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