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Michael W. Kessel August 7, 1961 - March 21, 2020

Kohler, WI – Michael W. Kessel, 58, beloved husband of Cheryl M. (Menzies) Kessel, passed away suddenly in Milwaukee, WI on March 21, 2020, on his way home to be with his family and his newborn grandson Lukas Michael.

Mike was born in Sydney, Australia, to Rolf Kessel and the late Edith (Erlenmayer) Kühnle. Raised and educated in Grünbach, Germany, he received his degree in Master Industrial Manufacturing Engineering at Schule Fuer Giessereifachleute in Pforzhein, Germany.  A the time of his passing, Michael was employed at Kohler Co. as a Principal Automation Engineer in the Global Faucets Division.

Mike traveled all over the world with his career and during those travels, met his wife Cheryl, settling  down in Bradford, MA and raising his three children. Mike was proud of his German roots, visiting his relatives in Germany often, both with his family and work. Mike became a US citizen in 2009, receiving a perfect score on his U.S. Citizen Test, an accomplishment that he would not let you forget.

Mike was an amazing husband and father, always putting the needs of his family above his own.  His greatest joy in his life was spending time with his children at different activities and sporting events, whether it was attending a horse show with his two daughters or watching his son’s accomplishments on the  football field and basketball courts.  Mike also enjoyed going on long walks with his wife and their beloved Pit-bull Ruby. He had an intense passion for cars, and loved driving and racing the different Porsches that  he owned over his lifetime. He participated in auto cross events and races where ever he lived. In addition, he spent many “vacations” in Naples, FL at his properties, working on different  projects or just enjoying the warm weather. Mike was able to fix anything given to him, he would just need to look at it and he knew what to do. He was also an avid reader,  loved music and attending rock concerts, watching the Patriots and cooking German food. Mike lived more in just the past year than some live in a lifetime…He watched his oldest daughter graduate from college, met his first grandson, spent weeks with his family in Germany, including much cherished  time with his  beloved father and  brother Christoph,  traveled to FL  to be with his youngest daughter on many occasions, (who he hoped to see graduate in the Spring), raced in an auto cross on his birthday  and even climbed the Great Wall of China.  He was a man with so many passions and  he will be greatly  missed by all that  knew and  loved him.

Mike will be  missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Cheryl M (Menzies), his son, Ian J. Kessel of Bradford, MA,;  his daughters, Mariah V. Kessel of Ft. Myers, FL,; Michaela E. Kessel of Nashua, NH, his grandson, Lukas Michael,; his mother in law, Valerie Menzies Murphy of Bradford, MA.  His father, Rolf Kessel and step mother, Barbara Kessel of Niefern, Germany,  step father Gerhardt Humel of Pforzheim, Germany. He is also survived by his siblings, Christoph Kessel and his wife Valeria of Pforzheim, Germany,; Philip Kessel of Konstanz, Germany,; Stephanie Kessel-Mikoschek and her husband Gregor of Millingen aan de Rijn, Netherlands,; Julia Kessel of Stuttgart, Germany,; Angela Müller of Pforzheim, Germany,; Karina Straub and her husband Stefan of Bad Wilbad, Germany, and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the ongoing health crisis and most of his family living out of the country,  a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. This notice will be published again at such times that the date are known.  Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or Comeau Funeral Home

 

Due to the ongoing health crisis and most of his family living out of the country, a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. This notice will be published again at such times that the date are known. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or Comeau Funeral Home

Condolences(10)

  1. Rheanna says
    March 30, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    My condolences to your family. Mike was an amazing person and will be missed for sure. Love you all very much. My family sends their condolences as well.

  2. Tom Menzies says
    March 30, 2020 at 11:21 pm

    We will miss you Mike. You were an important member of our family. Fun to be around, a devoted husband, and kind and proud father of your three children. Rest in peace. Tommy, Ellen, and boys.

  3. Rob Jordan says
    March 31, 2020 at 5:30 pm

    My deepest sympathy. I got a chance to work with Michael recently on a joint project for Kohler and Lanco. He was a joy to work with and a worldly person. He seemed to be able to speak with anyone on any subject. He will be missed.

  4. Stella Salvati says
    April 1, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    Sincere condolences to all of his family especially his wife and children. May God grant you strength during this great loss of your loved one

  5. Stella Salvati says
    April 1, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    Sincere condolences to all of his family especially his wife and children, May God grant you strength and comfort .

  6. Theo Phadungthin says
    April 13, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    I am very fortunate to have met and interacted with Mike while working with him on a Lanco and Kohler mutual project. He was insightful and knowledgeable about several topics. And even though it was a little over a week of getting to know him, he left a lasting impression with his generosity, hospitality, and kindness. Mike, it saddens me that you left this world before I could say hi again over a few beers. With the colorful life you’ve lived, I hope it was all enough for you.

  7. Andy Straub says
    April 16, 2020 at 7:53 am

    Our sincerest condolences to the whole family. We are deeply sorry about the death of Michael.
    Thinking about you and wishing you comfort and peace.
    Andy and Claudia Straub with family and Ruth Straub

  8. Matthias Winter says
    May 20, 2020 at 2:49 pm

    I am very fortunate to have met and interacted with Mike while working with him on many projects at Georgia Pacific. He left a lasting impression with his generosity, hospitality, and kindness. Mike, it saddens me that you left this world before I could say hi again over a few beers. With the colorful life you’ve lived, I hope it was all enough for you.

  9. Doug Grunewald says
    December 15, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    We always loved having him at the range (Blackhawk Shooting sports) So many great conversations. We wish the best for you and your family. You will all be in our prayers. Peace be with you.

  10. Ian & Vanessa says
    December 5, 2022 at 4:54 am

    We all love and miss you so much Daddy Keep watching over us and your grand babies
    And appreciate you visiting our dreams 🥰
    Till we meet again

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