Robert R. Kessel

Robert R. Kessel, 87, Bismarck, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Catholic Church of the Ascension, 1905 S Third St., Bismarck. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM. There will be a time of fellowship and lunch between Mass and the burial at the church.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-7 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a Vigil Prayer Service starting at 7:00.

Robert (Bob) was born June 15, 1937, to Raphael and Margaret (Klein) Kessel in Dickinson, ND. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, graduating from Dickinson High School. He entered the United States Navy, was honorably discharged and returned to North Dakota.

In the early 1960’s, Robert married Betty Freestad and together they raised Denise, Julie, Theresa and Robin. Betty passed away in 1996 after a battle with cancer.

In April 1997 Robert married Carole Murschel.

Robert worked in tax-related positions for the states of North Dakota, Alaska, California and Minnesota. He received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service from then Governor George Sinner in July 1986 for his performance as Director of Income & Oil Taxes. 

He opened a tax practice as a sole proprietor in 1997, preparing tax returns and providing personal and business consulting services through the 2024 tax season. He loved working and visiting with countless clients, developing close and life lasting friendships with many. He shared offices with his daughter, Theresa Kellington, for the duration of his practice. 

He was a marathon runner, a passionate Notre Dame football fan, a widely traveled adventurer, and a math whiz. He was also, a keeper of various statistics and a gatherer of sports trivia.

Most of all, Robert loved his family. He loved making them laugh and had a sense of humor that lasted until the end. Twenty-one years ago, he started the Kessel Christmas Party and made his granddaughter Kat promise she would continue the tradition! He entertained with many skits and enjoyed seeing his family come together.

He is survived by his wife Carole; children, Denise (Bill) Kukuk, New Salem, ND, Julie (Tim) Kling, Bismarck, Theresa Kellington, Bismarck and Robin (Kellie) Kessel, Incline Village, NV; grandchildren, Krystal, Jon, Kim, Russell, Colton, Kat (Jason and son Dante), Keane (Lexi Nieuwsma) Kira, Kaden, Kai; several great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother-in-law, Merl Anderson, Detroit Lakes, MN and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Carole’s children, Sarah (Greg) Stiefel, Bismarck, Amy Murschel, Minneapolis, MN, Andrea Murschel, Sierra Vista, AZ and Scott (Laura) Murschel, Cincinnati, OH and five grandchildren, Addison, Sofia, Emmitt, Maggie and James.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; parents; siblings, Tony, Nicola, Jackie, Richard, Ed (Arb), Raymond, Rose Kessel, Betty Schocker, Veronica Dukart and Margaret Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be directed to the donor’s choice in memory of Robert. The family also suggests planting a tree in his memory as he loved going on walks and being submersed in all nature had to offer.

To share memories of Robert, sign the online guestbook and watch the live stream of the service, visit www.parkwayfuneral.com