George Kessel 1922-2010

George Herbert Kessel

George Herbert Kessel

George Herbert Kessel of Cottonwood died on December 7, 2010, at the age of 88. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on November 17, 1922.

In 1935, George’s parents moved their family to Tucson, Arizona. George graduated from Tucson High School in 1940. He then attended The University of Arizona until joining the Navy in 1942. He served as a Navy weather forecaster in the South Pacific during WWII.

George returned to the States in 1945, and on May 5, 1945 he married Ruth Guenther of Whiteriver, Arizona. Ruth’s father, Rev. E. E. Guenther, joined the couple in a marriage that lasted lovingly for 65 years.

George continued his education at the University of Arizona and later Northern Arizona University. After graduation, George took a position as an art teacher for the Mohave School District in Kingman, AZ. George was later successful in other professions. He owned and operated a restaurant and hotel in Whiteriver, AZ. After that, he was a draftsman for Douglass Aircraft in California.

In 1961, George, Ruth, and their four sons moved back to Arizona where George started a career as a manager for Southwest Forest Industries in McNary. This career would take George and his family to Snowflake, Phoenix, and Sedona. George retired from Southwest in 1985, and lived happily with his wife in Sedona and later Cornville.

George was an artist, an avid fisherman, and a loving father and husband. He will be remembered for his kind heart and positive nature. George lived with the faith and assurance that he would ultimately meet his God in heaven.

George leaves behind his beloved wife, Ruth, and his four sons Paul (Sherri) of Cornville, William (Lynne) of Mankato, MN, David (Lillian) of Cornville, and Tim (Cheryl) of Clarkdale. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Peace Lutheran Church in Cottonwood.

Information provided by survivors.


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