Wiley J. Kessinger

Wiley J. Kessinger, age 97, of Janesville died on July 28, 2024. He was born on December 26, 1926 in Sublette, Illinois, the son of Wiley C. and Lucile Kessinger. Following graduation from Harlem High School in Loves Park, Illinois, Wiley Joined the army in June 1944 and was sent first to St. Norbert College. He served in WWII in the 2273rd antiaircraft artillery command in the Hawaiian Islands until September 1946. He returned from the army to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education/History at Milton College in 1949 where he also met his wife, Maxine (Wells) Kessinger, to whom he was happily married for 61 years. Wiley then taught social studies at his former high school in Loves Park, where he was also a coach and a member of the local school board for two years, before joining Wells Motors in Janesville. He was a part of the family Chrysler-Plymouth automobile dealership for thirty years.

Wiley was an active member in many civic organizations including the Masonic Western State Lodge #55, Janesville Elks Lodge #254, American Legion Post #205, and the Blackhawk Golden Kiwanis where he received the Kiwanis George F. Hixson Fellowship Award. He was a past president and long-time board member of Boys Baseball, Inc., and he served as a director at Rock County Johnson Bank as well as the Milton College Preservation Society. He was also a member of the First Lutheran Church.

A great father, faithful and kind husband and a generous community leader, Wiley was also a life-long Cubs and Bears fan and all-round upstanding guy. He was, in turn, loved by many and will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Wiley is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Kessinger, son Randy Kessinger, and daughter Gail Steinke. He is survived by his son Dale (Sonya) Kessinger, grandsons Walter and Elliot Kessinger, and son-in-law Donald Jeff Steinke.

On Friday August 9, 2024, a visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 am at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 612 N. Randall Avenue, Janesville, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the funeral at the church. Additionally, a Military Salute and burial will take place at 2:00 pm at Milton Lawns Memorial Park Chapel, Janesville. Memorials may be made to the Milton College Preservation Society, Janesville Youth Baseball, or the Blackhawk Golden K Kiwanis.

The Kessinger family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.