Richard 'Dick' Kessen

Richard Bradley “Dick” Kessen, 74, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at his home in Eland, with his little dog, Ute, at his side. Dick was born on April 24, 1950, in Shawano, the third son of Harris and Nellie (Pietz) Kessen. He lived most of his life in Bowler, graduated from Bowler High School in 1968 and then enlisted and served his country in the Army National Guard for the next six years. Dick was united in marriage to Pamela Henry on March 13, 1969, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bowler. She preceded him in death on July 5, 1997. Dick worked in the automotive industry until his retirement. He was the parts manager for All Car Automotive in Antigo, service manager for Brickner’s in Schofield and service writer for Fred Mueller Automotive in Schofield. Dick and Pam enjoyed shooting pool, snowmobiling and gardening. They also enjoyed camping at Star Campsite and later created a small campground for family and friends on their property east of Birnamwood. Dick is survived by two sons, Mark and Chad, both of Birnamwood; grandchildren, Jordan (Katie) Kessen, of Birnamwood, and Kayleen Johnson, of Cass Lake, Minnesota; and great-grandchildren, Jazmyn Johnson and Serenity Moenke. He is further survived by brothers, Clifford (Audrey) Kessen, of Tigerton, Larry (Cathy) Kessen and Tommy (Deb) Kessen, both of Birnamwood; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Kenneth Henry Jr., of Bowler, LaMonte (Janet) Henry, of Tomahawk, Steve (Diane) Henry, of Birnamwood, David (Barbara) Henry, of Deerbrook, Linda (Clayton) Laszewski, of Wausau, Susan Henry, of Schofield, and Lisa Cox, of Antigo. Dick is also survived by many nieces and nephews and special friend, Pamela Daffron. In addition to his wife and parents, Dick was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Scott Henry, and grandson, Aaron Pingel. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. The Rev. Matthew Christians will preside. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood, with military rites being conducted by Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post 341. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.