Marian Kessler

Marian Kessler of Pepin, WI passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 20, 2024, at the age of 100, after a short stay at St. Elizabeth’s Care Center in Wabasha, MN.
Marian was born on July 13, 1924, in Plum City, WI to William and Elizabeth (Tschumperlin) Martin; her family moved to Pepin in 1940 where she graduated from Pepin High School in 1942. After graduation, she proudly supported World War II efforts by working in a munitions factory in Eau Claire, WI, a role she looked back on with great pride. After the war, she returned to Pepin and married Arnie Lerum in 1946 and had six children. Together they owned and operated Arnie’s Bar in Pepin until they eventually went their separate ways.
Marian returned to Eau Claire and spent several years working for the United States Postal Service. In 1989, she married Lyle Kessler, and together they made a home in Stockholm, WI. Their winters spent traveling to Texas became some of her most cherished memories, lasting until his passing in 1992.
In her spare time, Marian found joy and expressed her creativity through painting and needlework. A lover of games, Marian enjoyed countless rounds of card and board games with family and friends, creating wonderful memories and sharing laughter with each hand dealt and every roll of the dice. She also enjoyed many trips to the casino over the years, where she and her dear friend Judy tested their luck. Marian’s love of travel took her to many destinations, including several trips to Alaska to visit her kids while they lived there.
Marian is survived by her children Melody (Bill) Stockton, Jerre (Linda) Lerum, Dawn (Melvin) Gjertvig, Gayla (Doug) Earney, Rick Lerum, Marnie (Philip) Cotton, along with many treasured grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Harriet Martin, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Martin; husband, Lyle Kessler; sisters and brothers-in-law; Kathryn (Glenn) Steele and Virginia (George) Fayerweather, brother Bernard Martin; and good friend Judy Leedle.
To live a century is no small feat, and Marian’s life stands as testament to a life well and fully lived. A beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Marian will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who loved her.
Private services will be held on Saturday, November 9th for the family.