The Excelsior Standard, Dec. 19, 2025

Bernice Kessler

Bernice Caroline Kessler, 92, of Lawson passed away peacefully Dec. 11, 2025. She was born March 2, 1933, in Chamois, the daughter of Richard and Edith Starke. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger Kessler; three brothers, Richard, Marvin and Vernon Starke; and two sisters, Edith Shermann and Dorothy Boynton.

Bernice grew up in Morrison and loved dancing. She was even a dance instructor for a short time. Her greatest calling, however, was being a mother. Raising her five sons was her proudest accomplishment and the role she cherished most throughout her life.

Bernice was fiercely devoted to her boys and was a source of constant support. Her sons always knew they could count on her for comfort, understanding and gentle rescue when it was needed most.

Exceptionally intelligent and sharp-minded, Bernice loved challenges. She delighted in puzzles and games, especially Sudoku, and was well-known for always starting with the hardest puzzles.

In her later years, she found great joy in painting, refinishing furniture and working with her hands. She took pride in breathing new life into old pieces, seeing beauty and potential where others might not.

Bernice was especially excited to share her love of painting with her grandchildren. Teaching, encouraging and creating alongside them brought her deep happiness. She would love knowing that her family continues to enjoy her artwork and that her paintings live on in their homes as lasting reminders of her creativity and love.

She also found peace in gardening, and tending with patience and care – another reflection of the way she nurtured her family throughout her life.

Bernice is survived by her siblings, Mildred Ochsner, Dolores Mennemeyer and Kenneth Starke; five sons, Glenn (Cinda) Kessler, Doug (Liz) Kessler, Mike (Suzy) Kessler, Eric (Roxana) Kessler and Corey (Sheila) Kessler; and 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were constant sources of pride and joy.

Visitation was scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Bross-Spidle Funeral Home in Lawson. Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Excelsior Springs. The Rosary was to be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10. Burial was to follow at St. Munchin Cemetery in Cameron.

Bernice will be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted protector, a gifted and creative spirit, and the heart of her family. Her love, her artwork and her quiet strength continue to live on through the generations she so deeply cherished.