Robert Kesser (1933 – 2010)

Robert Allan Kesser, 77, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare All Saints. He was born in Racine on July 16, 1933, to Rose (nee: Daleski) and Charles Kesser. On August 11, 1956, he was united in marriage to Germaine ‘Gerry’ Venne at St. Patrick’s Church. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School, St. Catherine’s High School, Alexian Brothers School of Nursing, and United States Public Health Service School of Anesthesia. He was employed in the Anesthesia Department of St. Mary’s Medical Center from September of 1959, until retiring on July 16, 1991. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish, American and Wisconsin Associations of Nurse Anesthetists, SMMC Retirees, Merrymakers and Jolly Timers of Chavez Community Center, and was a former Board member of Villa St. Anna. He is survived by his son, Peter (Candy) Kesser of San Jose, Calif.; daughters, Karen (Bill) Harlos and Paulette (Bill) Verdick, all of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Brian and Adam Kesser, Lynsay and Whitney Harlos, Nicole (Jamie) Johnson, and Matthew and Andrew Verdick; great-granddaughter, Katryn Johnson; brothers, Charles (Joann) Kesser of Fairfield Glade, Tenn. and James (Sharon) Kesser of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister, Judy Kesser of Franklin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanne and Don Zahalka, Claire and Rich Gavigan, and Judy and Steve Ballard; and brother-in-law, Fr. Tom Venne. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Germaine in 2008; infant son, William Robert Kesser in 1964; infant twins in 1965; his parents; brother, Ken (Pat) Kesser; sister, Janet Stenman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruth and Russ Venne; and brother-in-law, Fr. Doug Venne. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 1533 Erie Street, Racine, with Fr. Tom Venne officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family prior to the Mass on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School in Racine are suggested.