Harold "Donnie" J. Kessel

Harold Jesse “Donnie” Kessel, age 89 of Burlington, WV passed away on Thursday, June 6, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg, WV.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1934 at Scherr, WV, Donnie was the son of the late Arthur Emmanuel Kessel and Alice (Wolfe) Kessel. In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by two sons, David Edward Kessel and Bernard Emmanuel Kessel and five brothers, Lynn Kessel, Dorsey Kessel, Leon Kessel, Mike Kessel and Keith Wolfe.  Donnie was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

 Donnie is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Bernadine (Bergeson) Kessel; six grandchildren. Derek Kessel, Miranda Kessel Vincent (Stephen), Zebulon Kessel (Jackie), Lauren Kessel (Michael), Benjamin Kessel and Jesse Kessel; one great granddaughter, Delilah Mullens and several nieces and nephews.

 Donnie was a 1954 graduate of Petersburg High School.  He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 and was a member of Petersburg American Legion Post 78.  After serving his country, Donnie attended Potomac State College, later graduating  from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV with a B.S. in animal husbandry.  Donnie worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, where he worked throughout West Virginia until retirement. 

After retirement, he started HJK Angus Farm, always having a dog at his side while tending to cattle, hay, and horses at his family farm in Williamsport. In addition to farming, he enjoyed hunting, ski trips, and beach vacations to the Outer Banks with his family and grandkids. He also volunteered with Lahmansville Ruritan Club and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Petersburg, WV.  

  Donnie’s family will receive friends and family members Sunday, June 9, 2024 from  5 – 7  PM  at Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg. 

  Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Monday, June 10, 2024 in the chapel of Schaeffer Funeral Home with Pastor Pat Pittsnogle officiating. 

  Interment will be in Green Hill Cemetery, near the Kessel farm in Williamsport, WV with Military Honors by Grant County Veterans Honor Guard and West Virginia Army Honor Guard.   

The Kessel family extends their appreciation and thanks to the dedicated aids and staff at Grant County Rehabilitation and Care Center for their compassion and care in the last eight months of Donnie's life.  

 Memorials may be made to Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center (100 Wing), 127 Early Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847 or Petersburg Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 385, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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