1947-2026
Charles Kesler, endearingly known as Chuck by his friends and family, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
An afternoon of remembrance for Chuck was held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 105 North Fourth Street, Guthrie Center. Friends and family were invited to gather and share their memories and Chuck’s favorite, a hot beef meal.
Chuck was born in Stuart on Sept. 15, 1947, to Zada (Vandevanter) and Fred Kesler. He grew up on a farm near Monteith with his five siblings. He found great joy in the country life by driving tractors and helping on the farm.
After attending Guthrie Center High School, he held a variety of jobs throughout his life with his primary work being manufacturing/factory work to include AMF, Oscar Meyer, IBP, Hy-line, and Tones Spices. On March 8, 1969, Chuck married Barbara Jean Wilson. From this union, their daughter Jennifer Sue Kesler was born on Oct. 10, 1969. Later, the couple divorced but remained friends. He spent most of his adult life in the Monteith area and eventually moved to Grinnell. In 2002, he then settled into his home in Guthrie Center.
Outside of work, Chuck had a passion for collecting coins, antiques, vintage tractor models and classic cars. In his younger years you could find him fishing with his family, camping, gardening, playing cards and riding his motorcycle, never shy about enjoying a little extra speed along the open road.
Chuck is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Kesler of Guthrie Center; granddaughter, Breanna Kesler of Mankato, Minnesota; his sisters, Barb Mains of Redfield, Sally (Dan) Tripp of Parker, Colorado and Teresa (Lony) Jensen of Casey; brother, Denny (Linda) Kesler of Ames; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zada and Fred Kesler; his sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Joe Kopaska; his nephews, Mark Kopaska and Bradley Mains; his brother-in-law Bill Mains; and his sister-in-law Joan (Graves) Kesler.