Marion Elsie Kessel was born June 29, 1931, at home in rural Dexter Township, Mower County, Minn. to George Fred and Elsie Mary Charolette (Studer) Schwartz, youngest of 10 children. She passed away Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa, at of 82 years.

Marion graduated high school with the class of 1949. On June 16, 1955, she married Donald Keith Kessel and to this union three sons were born: Dale, David, and Daniel. After attending college, at Mankato State Teacher’s College, she taught grade school in several rural Minnesota schools. Following marriage and moving to Eagle Grove, Iowa, she was an active farm wife. After her children were all in school, she began working as a cook. First at Brian’s Restaurant, followed by the Rotary Ann Nursing home in Eagle Grove. After moving to rural Melrose in 1976, she worked at the Chariton Manor until retiring in 2002. After her husband retired from farming, they moved to Russell in 1984. She lived there until she suffered a stroke this summer. She maintained her independence, driving herself to a doctor’s appointment the day before her stroke. Following rehabilitation, she lived at Chariton Manor until the week of her death.

Marion enjoyed gardening, while living on the farm, she would regularly can hundreds of jars of vegetables. After moving to Russell, she enjoyed cultivating Hostas as well as Christmas Cactuses. She also collected tea kettles. She used to sew most of her own clothes. After retiring, she began quilting, making several quilts per year which she used as gifts.

She was a life-long Lutheran. Marion was baptized, confirmed and married at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Dexter Township, Minn., which was located within ½ mile of her childhood home. She told stories of being carried on her brothers’ shoulders when the snow was too deep for her to walk to and from church. For the past 14 years, she has been an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Chariton, Iowa. Marion was also a member of the Lutheran Ladies Aide and the Red Hat Ladies club.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Keith Kessel; her parents, Fred and Elsie (Studer) Schwartz; her sister, Caroline  Beckman; her brothers, Ervin, William, Earl, Henry, Ray, and Elmer Schwartz.

She is survived by her children, Dale Kessel, of Russell, Iowa; David Kessel, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Daniel Kessel, of Russell; her sister, Frieda Parrish, of Albert Lea, Minn.; her brother, Norman Schwartz, of Austin, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Services were held 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at the Trinity Lutheran Church located in Chariton, Iowa, with Pastor Dean Christ officiating. Visitation took place from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at the Fielding Funeral Home. Interment was held in the Chariton Cemetery following services. Bearers were Matt Richardson, Ronnie Christensen, Joseph Christensen, Curtis Roach, Mike Beatty, and Nick Rowland. Memorials may be directed towards the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton, Iowa. Condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.