Lee Kessler

KESSLER, Lee Richard, 68 of Linden, Michigan, passed away on November 27, 2021.  He was born in Jackson, Michigan, on September 9, 1953, son of the late Richard L. and Patricia A. (McCann) Kessler. During his childhood, Lee lived in Argentina and Switzerland, returning to Michigan in 1964 where he lived the rest of his life.

Lee graduated from Bloomfield Hills Andover High School in 1970, Western Michigan University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and completed his MBA at the University of Michigan in 1982. Before beginning his work career in earnest, he was a caddie at Oakland Hills Country Club where he had the honor of caddying during the 1972 PGA Championship. In 1977, Lee began a 30-year career in finance at General Motors from which he retired in 2007.

Lee was an avid card player and collector of coins, stamps, and poker chips. His interest in playing blackjack took him to Las Vegas many times where he developed an interest in dealing. During his retirement years, Lee began a second career as a poker dealer in the Detroit area.

In addition, he enjoyed giving back to the community by participating in the 2010 Census, founding the Fenton Area Singles, and volunteering with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Meals on Wheels, and AARP where he prepared tax returns for seniors.  In his spare time, Lee loved assembling jigsaw puzzles, riding with the Biking Bunch out of Loose Senior Center, playing bridge and pinochle with friends, and supporting the Wolverines, Lions and Tigers from the comfort of his big red recliner.

One of Lee’s greatest joys was spending time with his many good friends whom he truly valued.  Sadly, his golden years were cut short by an unexpected cancer diagnosis, which he fought courageously, maintaining his sense of humor until the end.

Lee is survived by his siblings, Christine Kessler, Craig (Lynda) Kessler and Pam Kessler; nephew, Christopher (Molly) Kessler; niece, Kelly (Brad) Maxwell; three grandnieces; and step-mother, Dorothy Kessler.

A memorial service will be held 3 PM Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the time of service.

"Bend it in all the right places, Lee."