Gerald Kessinger, 77, was called home by the Lord at 5:20am, on March 23, 2014. Jerry passed at his home in Colfax, surrounded by his family after losing a courageous battle with cancer.

His funeral will be held at 11:00am, on Friday, March 28, 2014 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Colfax. Pastor Connie Frase will be officiating. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Colfax.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00pm, Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Jerry was born on June 18, 1936 on a rural farm west of Colfax, the son of Wiley "Cotton" and Lisel Wilson Kessinger. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Bitterberg on December 9, 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lexington. She remained by his side until the very end.

Also surviving are his three sons, Gary Kessinger of Colfax, David Kessinger of Lexington and Mark and (Elizabeth) Kessinger of Colfax; grandson, Brandon Kessinger; brother-in-law, Gene (Pat) Bitterberg of Brookfield, WI; aunt, Verna Haller of Kalamazoo, MI; cousins, Phyllis (Carrol) Imig of Hopedale and David (Ruth Ann) Hunt of Morgantown, KY; three nieces, Debra (Michael) Brophy, Lisa (Steve) Molsbee and Judy (Walt) Christensen.

Jerry graduated from Octavia High School in 1955. His first job out of high school was at Caterpillar in Joliet. He spent several years building home in the Colfax area including his own home where he raised his family. He was later employed by Hicks Gas and then McLean County Service CO. for 19 years. He also worked at Intensive Care Nursery in Colfax.

Jerry drove for various trucking companies, receiving the honor of Driver of the year at GATX in 1995. He had his own repair service throughout the years.

Jerry was a loving father that took an active role in raising his three sons. He served as Cub Master for the cub Scouts for 10 years. Jerry shared his love for trout fishing, camping, target shooting and most of all Allis Chalmers tractors with his family. He loved the time spent attending tractor shows every summer. Jerry was quick to share his knowledge of many different trades with his sons.

Jerry always enjoyed traveling with his family. They enjoyed visiting local fleas markets and several during their trips to Florida. Jerry loved country music and enjoyed the shows on his visits to Branson, MO. He was very proud of his WD45 tractor he restored with his sons. He was later able to take his tractor to shows and drive it in parades.

He was a proud member of the NRA. He served as Fire Chief and was the Civil Defense Director of Octavia Fire Department for many years.

One of Jerry's greatest joys was his gardens. He had a green thumb and produced plentiful and beautiful gardens year after year. He was very proud of his gardening skills he learned from h is parents.

Jerry lived everyday to its fullest. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile and a story.

The family asks that memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colfax, where Jerry was a member and served on the church council or the Community Cancer Center.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeong and the staff at the Community Cancer Center for their excellent care.