Judith "Judi" Ann Kessler

Judith Ann (Wickert) Kessler of Westerville, OH (formerly Fremont, OH) died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 12th. Judi was born in Fremont on December 3, 1943 to James and Ethel (Kearsley) Wickert. She graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1961 and attended BGSU. She married Gerald (Jerry) Kessler on November 26, 1965, and they recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. Judi retired from the Fremont City School District where she worked in the office of the Junior High for many years, caring for children of the community. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, daughter Julie (Mike) Leary of Westerville, OH, son, Eric (Meredith) of Somersworth, NH, grandchildren Sean, Kevin, Katherine, Kearsley, Bowen and Adeline, sister Susan (Gerald) Leary, sisters-in-law, Cathy Wickert, Nancy Keyser, Carol Kessler, Martha Lozano, Ruth (Rick) Drukenmiller and a host of fun-loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Judi was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Tom and Chuck, and brothers-in-law Glen Keyser and Rev. Karl (Topper) Kessler.

A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville and previous long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fremont, Mom volunteered for the Lutheran Northwestern Ohio Synod for numerous years. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge, which she did with many friends over the years and will be remembered for her sense of humor and sarcastic wit. Mom was an avid Buckeye fan and her favorite vacation spot was Curaçao. The matriarch of her family since she was 15 years old, Mom cared for her entire family and many friends throughout her life and left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. We will miss her very much.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4686 East Walnut St, Westerville, OH 43081 on Friday, March 21, 2025. Immediate family will greet friends and family from 10-11am, followed by the service at 11am. Please be prepared to share memories at a church luncheon from 12-1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.