Obituary of Harvey Andrew Kessel

The love and laughter of Harvey Andrew Kessel, age 61, left us on Monday, February 6, 2006. He passed away from complications with acute myelogenous leukemia. Harvey was born in Eureka, South Dakota on August 18, 1944 to Andrew and Theresa Kessel. He graduated from Ashley High School, attended the University of North Dakota and Pacific Coast Banking School, and served in the U.S. Army. Harv moved to Lodi in 1971 and has worked for Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank for 34 years. Mr. Kessel was a member, and past Deacon, of St. Paul's American Lutheran Church. Lodi Area Crimestoppers, the Lodi Police Foundation, and the Micke Grove Zoological Society. His prior memberships include the American Institute of Banking, 5 C's, Lodi Kiwanis Club, Woodbridge Golf and Country Cub, the men?s auxiliary of Lodi Memorial Hospital, Lodi Dakota Club, and the Lodi Newcomers Club. He has been involved with numerous fundraisers and has been active in the parent's club for Lodi Lutheran Preschool, Vinewood Elementary, Lodi Middle School and Tokay High School. Early in life he began a love for sports and music. Growing up he played baseball, basketball, and football, and was involved in track. He was also a member of band and chorus. As an adult he enjoyed golf, tennis, bicycling, traveling, and his many years of coaching Lodi youth soccer and softball. His favorite pastime was spending time with his two granddaughters; Kamryn age 2 , and 1 year old Tyler. Harv will be best remembered for his personality, his kindness, and as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by his family, co-workers, and a wide circle of friends. Harvey is survived by his wife Ruth, of 35 years, two daughters; Kimberly and Kristi, and their families; brother; Glen of Minneapolis; and sister; Cynthia of New York City. He is preceded in death by his father; Andrew, and his mother; Theresa. Friends may visit Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Ave., and are invited to attend a Celebration of His Life on Sunday, February 12th at Twelve Noon, at the Fairmont Seventh Day Adventist Church, 730 S. Fairmont Ave., with interment at Cherokee Memorial Park immediately following. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Harvey Kessel Memorial Account, c/o F & M Bank, P.O. Box 3000, Lodi, CA. 95241 to benefit Youth Sports and Music or to St. Pauls American Lutheran Church, 701 South Pleasant, Lodi, CA. 95240