Fritz Karl Kesselring

Fritz Karl Kesselring, 86, of La Crosse, passed away on October 4, 2018 after a short illness. He was born in Hannover, Germany on November 21, 1931 to Hermann and Johanna (Witzel) Kesselring.

He came to America at age 24 and settled in La Crosse. He was a policeman in Germany for 2 years and then became a furrier. He worked for his Uncle at Conrad Fur Store in La Crosse. He then trained to become a licensed plumber and worked in the local area for many years. He married Karen Wiemann in 1959 in La Crosse.

Fritz retired from the Army National Guard after 36 years of service. He was a member of the La Crosse Drum and Bugle Corps. Color Guard and proudly carried the American Flag. He was President of the Frohsinn German Singing Society in La Crosse. He was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #31 of La Crosse. He volunteered at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI. Fritz and Karen were part of the original Oktoberfest Grenadiers for several years. He was one of the original members of the La Crosse Oktoberfest Singers and continued to sing until this past Oktoberfest.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, his sister-in-law Carol (Jim) Ballas and their 4 children, cousins, nieces and nephews and his many friends, especially his “office” buddies at the Bluffside Tavern. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother; Kurt, who was killed in WW II, his Uncle Fritz Kesselring, and his brother-in-law, Carl B. Wiemann, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 11 ^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family with the arrangements.