Dennis Kessel
June 21, 1949 ~ June 2, 2020
Dennis “Otis” Kessel, 70, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 12, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gettysburg, with Father Jerry Kopel presiding. Visitation began at 10:00 am, Friday, June 12, 2020 at the church.
Burial was held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Black Hills National, Sturgis.
Dennis Al Kessel was born June 21, 1949 in Dickinson, ND to Fred and Susan (Roth) Kessel. He attended school in Belfield, ND, graduating in 1967. He went on to college at Dickinson State for one year before being drafted during the Vietnam War.
Dennis was inducted into the United States Army on September 3, 1970. He served from 1970-1990, retiring as a SFC. He served in Wurzburg, Germany, Indianapolis, IN, Augsburg, Germany, Pusan, South Korea. Upon retirement Dennis worked for Stark County Social Services in Dickinson for approximately 15 years. In 2009, Dennis and Donna moved to Gettysburg to be closer to family.
Otis enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, wood working, cheering on his grandkids, watching the Denver Broncos, being with his wife, traveling, eating popcorn, and enjoying all types of sweets.
Otis was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion, having served as commander for a short time. He was an immensely proud veteran and proud to have been from North Dakota. He will be remembered as the ultimate military man.
Dennis’ life will be cherished by is wife Donna of Gettysburg; his children: Dawn Asani and Danny (Missy) Meinke, all of Gettysburg, Norman Kessel of Selby, Debi Labadie of New Haven, MI, and Chad Edwards of Dickinson, ND; grandchildren: Jessica Smith, Carlos and Joshua Garza, Rayven, Bishop, and Zoe Meinke, Skyllar Asani, Jeremiah and Jaden McNeal, and Shad and Seth Sharp; great grandchildren: Izaiah Velasquez, Jack and James Garza, Kiera Kessel and Kylie McNeal, and Legend McNeal; siblings: Fredrica (Mel) Obrigewitch, Juanita (Danny) Reames, Celeste (Richard) Shepard, George (Cheryl) Kessel, Jackie Anheluk Kessel, and Daniel (Karen) Kessel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Susan Kessel and one daughter, Crystal McNeal.
A special thank you to Jenny Zweber for all the care and help she gave Dennis. Also thank you to the Avera Gettysburg Community Clinic, especially Connie Belford and Daylon Wigart.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Dennis’ arrangements.
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We will miss you. You built a strong family that you will exist in for eternity.
So sorry to hear about Dennis. He was a great guy who gave so much to all who knew him.
I truly believe that All the relatives who have gone before him, have welcomed with open arms to his new life.
Peace and prayers to all who are mourning.
I will always have memories of deer hunting with cousin Otis and Roger they always helped me get my deer with my medical problems thanks so much guys it might alot to me
SJ
RIP old friend, we shared memories from grade school through High School, we grew up in the same neighborhood in Belfield. Lots of laughs played sports together. Thanks for the memories