James Anthony Kesler

66, of Van Wert, died Friday, June 26, 2009, at his residence.

He was born September 30, 1942, in Van Wert, the son of the late Hayden L. and Rita M. (Friemoth) Kesler. On November 4, 1967, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos, he married Carolyn A. (Burger) Kesler, who survives in Van Wert.

Mr. Kesler retired from the former Aeroquip Corporation after 39 years in customer service. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, a 1960 graduate of Delphos St. John's High School and attended St. Meinrad's Seminary and Xavier University. He had also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Erin (Todd) Hansen of Upper Sandusky and Erica A. (Kirk) Berryman of Middle Point; a sister, Sue (John) Sherran; Keith (Lori) Allen of Van Wert; his mother-in-law, Margaret Burger of Van Wert; and four grandchildren, Derek Hansen, J.B. Hansen, Allison Berryman and Adam Berryman.

A son, Kevin James Kesler, died in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, where graveside military rites will be performed by the combined honors units of American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 5803, both in Van Wert.

The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, where a parish Rosary service will be held at 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions: St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church or Servants of Jesus and Mary, 17000 State Route 30, Constable, NY 12926.