Delbert A. Kessler

February 16, 2018

By Communications staff, Washington State University

Delbert A. Kessler, who worked for Facilities Services at WSU Pullman from December 1989 to August 2001, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Lewiston. He was 83.

Delbert Kessler Kessler was born June 28, 1934, in Lewiston, to Alonzo and Edna (Richardson) Kessler. He attended Lewiston schools, graduating from Lewiston High School in 1952.

He started his apprentice training in the plumbing field in his last year of high school. After graduation, he worked for Lewiston Plumbing for a number of years. He then worked out of Union Local 44 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters of Spokane, where he was a member for 60-plus years. The last 12 years of his career he worked at Washington State University as a mechanical inspector and supervisor. He retired in 2001.

Kessler married Betty Jo Olmstead on Oct. 19, 1957, in Lewiston. Betty Jo passed away in February 2012.

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. He was a Lewiston Orchards volunteer firefighter for 20-plus years. He loved the Oregon Coast and enjoyed working outside and keeping his yard in immaculate shape. He loved his family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his friend, LaRose, during the past five years.

Kessler is survived by his children, Deborah L. (Mel) Reynolds, Rick A. (Christina) Kessler and Sheila K. (Mark) Ison; grandchildren Raymond, Jace, Heather, Jessica and Maegan; and great-grandchildren Jazmyn, Brent, Jordan, Ilias, Amelia and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty Jo; and sisters Mildred Ebel, Lois Munn and Janie Skow Wakefield.

The family asks that any memorial donations be made to Family Promise, 921 Ninth Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501.