Evelyn R. Kessel

Evelyn Rose Kessel, age 98 of Salem, WI and formerly of La Crosse, WI, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at home in Salem, WI. She was born July 8, 1926, to Palmer and Ida Traff. Evelyn married Donald Kessel and they were married for 63 years.

Evelyn retired from F.W. Means after twenty-five years. She was a member of Bethany Evangelical Free Church where she was a leader in the White Cross making quilts and many other things for orphans in Africa. She loved her Lord and truly loved life, living it to the fullest, especially fishing, camping, and rock hunting with her husband, Donald. In 2020, Evelyn moved to Salem, WI to live with her daughter.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Gary Kessel of La Crosse, WI; her daughter, Julie Jo Yankee of Salem, WI; three grandsons, Sam Kessel of La Crosse, WI, Jeff Kessel of Brooklyn, NY, and Jonathan Yankee of Chicago, IL; and twin great grandchildren, Ingrid and Luka Kessel of Brooklyn, NY.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 2009; parents, Palmer and Ida Traff; sister, Lillian Bresaw; and three brothers, Emil, Alvin, and Everett.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Bethany Church in La Crosse. Friends may call from 12:30 pm until the time of services at the church. Graveside services will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery.