Memorial
Benjamin Lloyd Kesselring, 78, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 12, 2019 surrounded by his family. Funeral Service: 1:00 pm Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Benjamin was born October 25, 1940, the son of Melvin and Dorothy (Wright) Kesselring, in Cedar Rapids. In his younger years, he participated in boxing. In 1967, Benjamin married Janice Hunter. They later divorced but remained good friends until her passing in 2012.
Benjamin was employed by Polenas Meat Market, and then began a long career with Quaker Oats until his retirement. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was always generous to those in need. He had a great love for his Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Benjamin also enjoyed watching the stock car races at Hawkeye Downs. He liked watching western movies and listening to country music. Benjamin loved to travel with his family and was always ready for an adventure.
Benjamin was truly a selfless individual, always putting others ahead of himself. Everyone who knew him was blessed to have him in their lives. He was like a rainbow, something you don’t see often, but when you do it makes you smile. Benjamin always had a genuine greeting for those he met, “How ya doing, buddy?”
Survivors include his five daughters, Shawn (David) Nash of Greenville, Texas, Tanya Mundorf of Hiawatha, Brigot (Robert) Vertz of Marion, TiShannon Kesselring of Cedar Rapids, Heather Kesselring Hoxsey of Larkin Heights, Texas; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Melvin; two sisters, Grace and Linda; and several other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and two sisters.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to those who worked on his behalf: the entire staff at Ed & Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit at St. Luke’s, and the pulmonary unit doctors, nurses and staff.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a local food pantry in memory of Benjamin.