Richard "Rick" Kessler Obituary (1957 - 2017)

Richard (Rick) Kessler, of Plymouth, passed away at his home last weekend, having just celebrated his 60th birthday. Rick was born in Duluth Minnesota in 1957, then moved to St. Louis Park in 1968, where he graduated high school. He had a successful career as a software developer. In the 1980’s he moved to Chicago to work with his brother, Rob, developing technology to help Rob’s business. Shortly after Rob and his family moved back to Minnesota in the early 1990’s, Rick also moved back to be closer to family. In Minnesota Rick mostly worked as an IT consultant. Rick retired early to pursue his passion for community service and photography. Since retirement, he has generously devoted his time to causes that inspired him. He loved working with children and was an avid volunteer for after school tutoring programs, community theater groups and St. Mary’s place, among many others. He was known to buy up a carload of fresh fruit to deliver to shelters so everyone could have access to nutritious foods. Everything Rick did was done with his entire heart, finding joy in the smallest of things and bringing laughter to those around him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Kessler, his father, Nelson Kessler, and is survived by his brother, Irvin "Rob" Kessler (Barbara), his stepfather, Morris Klevansky, nieces and nephews, Brett Kessler Kiss (Spencer Kiss), Ben Kessler, Bari Kessler (David Marantz), great-nephews, Max and Eli Marantz, his half-sisters, Helene, Judy, Marsha, and Amy, as well as his beloved cats, Baby and Rocky, all of whom will greatly miss his unique and gentle spirit. Funeral service TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017, 3:00 PM, BET SHALOM CONGREGATION, 13613 Orchard Road, Minnetonka. Memorials in his memory can be made to St. Mary’s Place, 401 N. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 55405. SHIVA at 3750 Nothome Road, Deephaven, Tuesday 7 pm.