Bruce Edward Kessler (87) of Altamont

Bruce Edward Kessler, 87, of Altamont, IL, died at 9:18 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Church of Christ, 1311 S. Fourth Street, Effingham. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Altamont. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to the Church of Christ, Woo Hoo Sisterhood or Shriners Hospital for Children. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Bruce was born on July 13, 1935, the son of the late Leohn and Violet (Dunaway) Kessler in Shelbyville. On July 10, 1954, he married Mary Jo Buzzard. Together with the good Lord, Bruce and Mary Jo raised four children and helped them find their place in life. Bruce worked many years with the railroad and was even the last full time Station Agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Altamont. He was an avid Rail fan for over 60 years, having two motorized railroad cars, which he traveled all over the US and parts of Canada and operated the cars as a uniformed Railroad Conductor. Bruce was also very involved in politics with the State of Illinois and was employed as a Personnel Analyst and Labor Relations Specialist. Through his connections, he was instrumental in establishing the infrastructure for water and gas in Beecher City. He also shook hands and conversed with 5 United States Presidents. Bruce served as County Chairman for the Republican Party in Effingham County and was elected Assistant State County Chairman for Illinois. He was one of the primary 3 that saved the Altamont Living Museum and made it the Jewel it is today. He also brought Time and Temperature to Altamont 24/7, a first in Effingham County. For many years, Bruce was involved in real estate in the local area, holding the longest Real Estate Sales License in Effingham County, over 40 years. He developed Kessler Oaks which consisted of 11 beautiful lots on Gypsy Cove, Lake Sara, Effingham. Bruce also was the co-owner of Altamont’s first convenience store, “Handy Dan’s”, named after his son. Bruce was also known for his music, with Country Music in the forefront. He wrote several songs, recorded 3 CD’s, and been on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, and played with Country Music’s Notables, Johnny Paycheck, Gene Watson, and Stonewall Jackson. He also played in the four area opry’s and had his own studio for his kind of music. Bruce was also a member of the Church of Christ and song leader for over 60 years, a charter member of the St. Elmo Golf Club, and member and past Master of Altamont Masonic Lodge #533.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Jo of Altamont; children, Daniel of Beecher City, Julie (Bart) Seales of Mason and Cindy Johnson of Altamont; brother, Ben Kessler of St. James, MO; sister, Sharon (Lee) Goen of Centralia, MO; grandchildren, Aaron Rath, Andy (Jess) Rath, Jamie (Larry) Goss, Brock Kessler, Jennifer Seales, Jordan Seales, Ashley (Harold) Waddell, Ross (Nicole) Johnson, and Tiffany (Scott) Wampler; great-grandchildren, Skylee Kocher, Cheyenne Mitchell, Bailey Goss, Garridan Goss, Arabella Rath, Milan Rath, Rocco Johnson, Rev Johnson, Carson and Kendrix Wampler, Klark and Quinn Kocher, Marlee Waddell, and Weiler, Fitch, Kane and Kamry Kessler.

Bruce was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Rath; parents, Leohn and Violet Kessler; and inlaws, Dean and Ruth Buzzard.