Harriet Kessler

Harriet A. Kessler, age 96, passed away on April 6, 2017 in Aurora, Colorado, at St. Andrew's Village. She was a dedicated and loyal wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed by her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Born on July 5, 1920 in Duluth, Minnesota, Harriet was the daughter of Frederick and Grace Samways. After graduation from Denfeld High School in 1938, she worked in sales at J.C. Penney Co. until 1941, when she attended Duluth Business College. After earning her associates degree, Harriet worked as a secretary at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth for a short time, then returned to J.C. Penney as a cashier/bookkeeper.

In 1944 she moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked as a secretary for the IBM Corporation until her marriage to Marvin E. Kessler, of Topeka, Kansas, on October 14, 1946. He preceded her in death on October 7, 2004. Three brothers and one sister also predeceased her: Frederick, Jr., Robert, Harry, and Adella Kalonek. Surviving are three children and their spouses, and three grandchildren: Scott Kessler and Elizabeth Dion of Fernandina Beach, FL; Bruce Kessler and Lisa Langelier of Cheney, WA, with daughter Linnea; and Janice Kessler Cobb and Martin Cobb of Centennial, CO, with daughters Jessica and Kelsey.

Harriet drew great happiness from her family and provided a home filled with joy, laughter, and affection. She and Marvin were always there to support and love their children and grandchildren and make their childhoods special. After raising their children, Mrs. Kessler worked in Topeka for Carol Neff Photography and Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. Harriet moved to Aurora, Colorado in 2009 to be closer to her daughter and family.

Mrs. Kessler had been a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Topeka, KS, since 1949. Over the years she served in many capacities at church including Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Wedding Committee Chair. Harriet also volunteered for the Let's Help food kitchen and Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers' League (NEKAAL). She was active in the mothers support group for Boy Scout Troop 44 when her sons were in the troop, and served as assistant leader in her daughter's Brownie and Girl Scout troops.

Services will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017, 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell Ave., Topeka, KS. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka. A reception will be held with the family from 4:30-6:30 PM at the Blue Moose Bar & Grill, 3030 SW Wanamaker Rd.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or to NEKAAL, Box 951, Topeka, KS 66601.