OBITUARY: Anthony Charles “Tony” Kesler

Anthony Charles “Tony” Kesler, age 76, of St. John, was called home and officially retired on July 6, 2020 at St. Elizabeth in Appleton. 

He was born a farmer on February 4, 1944 in Green Bay, son of the late Leon and Delphine (Loehr) Kesler.  Tony met the love of his life on the farm and married Kathleen “Kathy” Probst on June 7, 1985 at St. John Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood.  

Farming, faith and family were the most important things in Tony’s life and he loved every minute of it.  His parents starting the family farm and then Tony worked as a second generation farmer with his brother, Nick for over 50 years.  He was thrilled to be passing down the family business and work ethics to the third generation of farmers. He enjoyed watching all of his children work one way or another on the farm.  Working until his final days here on earth he milked over 200 cows and managed his crops.  He was a hard worker who wanted to get the most out of every day.  Teaching himself to ride bike without hands so he could carry more feed bags across the yard or biking around with a child in one arm and a feed bag in another.  Tony never moved from the family homestead, only had to move bedrooms within the house.  He was proud of establishment and the business that he put his dedication and time into all his life.  A particular rock picker as well, if it was larger than a golf ball he made sure his stone pickers knew to put it in the bucket.  “If it is not red, it stays in the shed” was something that Tony often said.  

A family man and a man of faith, attending St. John Catholic Church in St. John and a member of Knights of Columbus. Tony was quiet and a gentle giant,  a person who didn’t speak much, but spoke volumes when he would.  He had a sweet tooth that was like no other.  Tony had candy stash in all places that he would be.  He was always one to clean his plate and  for sure never left the dessert table unattended.   

Tony will always be remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Kathy; his 9 children:  Juliana (Patrick) Propson, Maria (Andrew) Harbath, Joseph (Amanda) Kesler, Matthew Kesler, Emily Kesler and special friend, Roman, Daniel Kesler and fiancée Alexa Prellwitz, Andrew Kesler and special friend Allison, Philip Kesler and special friend Ally, Peter Kesler; 6 grandchildren:  Madelyn, Alana, Theodore, Nathan, Aaron, and 1 arriving in October; his brothers: Paul (Vivian) Kesler, Alfred (Jill) Kesler, Nicholas (Kathie) Kesler; his sisters:  Judith (Ralph) Weiss and Mary (Don) Hixson; father-in-law, Ralph Probst; siblings-in-law:  Leon (Nancy) Probst, William Probst, Lynn (Chris) Benavides, and Penny (Scott) Freier.  

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joseph Kesler; sisters, Mary Margaret and an infant sister; and his mother-in-law, Karen Probst.  

Funeral Services will be at 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at St. John Catholic Church, in St. John with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will be in the St. John Catholic Cemetery.  A time of visiation will be at Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W Main St.) in Chilton, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, July 10, 2020 and on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at St. John Catholic Church from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM.  A vigil service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020, 7 PM.  

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Anthony C. Kesler.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Tony’s emergency response team, ICU team and especially nurse Alison who went above and beyond.