Williamsburg-David John Kessens was born January 18, 1947, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Sara Pauline (Mealhow) Kessens. He graduated from Don-Bosco High School in 1965. Dave was united in marriage to Julie Delagardelle on December 30, 1967, in Gilbertville. He has lived in LaPorte City, Urbana, and when he retired they moved to rural Unionville, Missouri. They then moved to Williamsburg in 2021, to be near his family. Dave worked for John Deere for 29 years retiring in 2005. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding and spending time with family. Dave died Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at his home at the age of 77 years.
He is survived by his wife Julie of Williamsburg; three daughters, Wendy (Kevin) Kirchner of Garrison, Stacey (Tony) Dlouhy and Erica (Justin) Smith all of Homestead; grandchildren, Kayla (Kolton) Sellers, Kami Kirchner, Hope Harris, Jordan Harris, Brody Smith, Cole Smith, Eli Smith, Wyatt Dlouhy, Olivia Dlouhy and Gabe Dlouhy; great grandchildren, Kara Sellers and Kalvin Sellers; a sister, Mary (Tom) Kessens Mickelson of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and a sister-in-law, Joan Kessens of Jesup. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Dennis Kessens.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Izaak Walton League Red Cedar Chapter, 5689 24th Avenue, Vinton, Iowa 52349. A memorial fund has been established for Essence of Life Hospice, please direct donations to Wendy Kirchner, PO Box 27, Garrison, Iowa 52229. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is assisting the family. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.