Last Updated on October 24, 2018 by cassnetwork
Jeffrey G. “Jeff” Kesler, 66 of Logansport, passed away Sunday, October 21, 2018, following a long battle with leukemia.
Born May 13, 1952, in Logansport, he was the son of Donald F. Sr. and Claribel (Klinsick) Kesler. Jeff was proud to live in the Kesler family home that he grew up in as a child.
Jeff was a 1970 graduate of Logansport High School. Early on, Jeff had a dream of combining his knowledge of earth science with his ability to entertain. He enrolled at Indiana State University to become a weatherman, but Dave Letterman stole his thunder. It was during this next decade that Jeff became a father and focused his energies on his children. Following an accident while working in construction, Jeff re-examined life and decided to chase his dream – this time by becoming a teacher and using the classroom as his stage. In 1985, Jeff graduated from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
When you combine the creative mind and the limitless energy of a person like Jeff together with a love of children and a passion for teaching, something special happens. As a science teacher, Jeff was what all teachers strive to be – a life changer. He knew when to be a teacher and when to be one of the kids. Jeff had a lifelong impact on students in the Warsaw Community Schools, Pioneer Jr. Sr. High School and most recently, at Lincoln Middle School, in Logansport, where he retired in 2015 after a 30-year career. Jeff made learning something that every child wanted to do…not “have” to do.
One of the greatest achievements in Jeff’s life were the number of students who came back to tell him they chose to enter the teaching profession because of his influence. Jeff would remind them never to forget why they wanted to teach – because people or things may try to discourage good teachers, you must always remember the “why” – because it’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.
Coaching was an extension of teaching. As a lifelong coach, Jeff used his love of basketball, baseball and football to teach the fundamental skills needed to excel in sports, the drive to compete and the sportsmanship skills to be a champion, win or lose, on or off the court. As a fan of sports and a man of many T-shirts, Jeff showed his loyalty to anything related to Indiana University.
Jeff was filled with so much enthusiasm for life that it spilled over, outside of his career, into the world of music. On stage, he was the ultimate showman. He met the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” (Zimmerman) Kesler, in Peru, when her band, Thunder Road, auditioned. It was love at first sight for Jeff. He and Becky were married November 25, 1994. Jeff was the bass guitar player for the band Counterpoint and with Becky on vocals along with the other members in the band, Jeff could jam and groove to the classic rock of the 60’s like no other.
While Jeff gave so freely of himself to others, he reserved the very best of his heart and soul as a family man. He loved unconditionally – beyond measure – and was adored by his wife, Becky; his two children and their spouses, Jason and Kim Kesler, Logansport, and Dr. Stacey Kesler-Ramiro and Oliver Ramiro, of Fishers; his brother, Keith (Jayne) Kesler, Peru; his sisters, Phyllis Maw, Logansport, and Marsha Mays, Hot Springs, Arkansas, his grandchildren, Jackson Kesler, Dalton Ramiro and Garret Ramiro; Stacey’s lifelong friend, who was like a daughter to him, Kris Cree, along with her daughter, Mya Felker; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Teresa and Jerome Jungels, Warsaw; two brothers-in-law, Michael (Peggy) Zimmerman, Warsaw and Todd Zimmerman, Chicago; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Sandy Louthain Friend and her family, of Logansport;
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Don Kesler, Jr., and his father-in-law, Fred Zimmerman.
From 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10th, family and friends are invited to come to the State Theatre to share memories of Jeff while enjoying fellowship and good food. At 6:30 p.m. a Celebration of Life tribute to Jeff will take place with Oliver Ramiro and Kris Cree officiating as emcees.
Following aquamation, interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fisher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services have been entrusted with arrangements. You may share memories and view Jeff’s video tribute at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.