Rita Kessler

Rita June Kessler, of Granite Falls, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar at the age of 83.

Celebration of life services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 with a prayer service starting at 2:00 PM followed by a celebration until 4:30 PM at the Kilowatt Community Center in Granite Falls, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Granite Falls Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Granite Falls. www.andersontebeest.com

Rita June Kessler was born June 26, 1941, in Lamberton, MN to Frank and Delores (Johnson) Blum. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Lamberton and graduated from Lamberton High School in 1959. After completing high school, Rita gained early work experience at Tersteeg’s Grocery Store in Redwood.

Rita married Dennis Kessler on August 27, 1960, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lamberton. Together they raised three children and lived in several communities, including Winnebago, Louisburg, Dawson, and Granite Falls. While Rita and Dennis lived in Louisburg, she was employed at the Louisburg Café. During her children's school years, Rita dedicated herself to managing the household and caring for her family. Following their high school graduations, she transitioned into a career in home healthcare, where she worked until her retirement.

Rita loved cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan, even receiving a school spirit award. She was known for her delicious baking—especially her chocolate chip cookies—and enjoyed playing bingo, especially with her sisters and going to the casino with friends and family. She spent many years volunteering with the church circle, always happy to help out and be involved in the community.

Most of all, Rita cherished time with her loved ones and made every effort to be present in their lives.

Rita is survived by her children, Tamara (Tim) Boraas of St. Paul, Jody (Mike) Kessler-Gross of Willmar, and Scott (Shelly) Kessler of Watertown, SD; grandchildren, Drew (Kailey) and Bailey (Cody Benson) Boraas, Kylie (Tyler Nelson), Kaden (Teresa), Kirah, Keegan and Keziah Kessler-Gross; grand puppies, Cooper and Jasper; great grandchildren, Nora, Hallie, Hadley and Harper; sisters, DeLores Kessler, Helen Haak and Bonnie (Roger) Batalden; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents, Frank and Delores; brothers, Dennis Albertson and Merlyn Albertson; and grand puppies, Pugsley, Pooh and Taz.