Vernon Kessel

Celebration of Life Funeral Mass for Vernon ?Skeeter? Michael Kessel, 65, of Belfield will be 10:00 a. m. Friday, March 31, 2006 at St. Bernard?s Catholic Church in Belfield, with Father Shannon Lucht celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard?s Cemetery in Belfield. Visitation will be 8:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. Wednesday, March 29, 2006 and 8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Thursday, March 30, 2006 at Stevenson-Mischel-Olson Chapel in Dickinson. Visitation will continue from 5:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. Thursday, March 30, 2006 at St. Bernard?s Catholic Church in Belfield with Rosary and Vigil Services taking place at 7:00 p. m. Vernon passed away Friday, March 24, 2006 at his home in Belfield. Vernon ?Skeeter? Michael Kessel was born June 16, 1940 to Philip and Mildred (Polanchek) Kessel in Belfield, ND. Skeeter grew up and attended school in Belfield. After graduating from Belfield High School, Skeeter entered the United States Army where he served for two years before being honorably discharged in 1962. Vernon returned home to Belfield and married Merle Johnson in May of 1965. To this union was born four children. Skeeter embarked on numerous business ventures through the years most notably a Pizza parlor, Philips 66 Station and Napa stores. He owned and operated these Napa stores for over 25 years and they included stores in Belfield, Beach, Dickinson, Watford City and Sidney, MT. Skeeter was very fond of the Belfield Community and therefore was very active and eager to help promote and enhance the community. He was a lifetime member of St. Bernard?s Catholic Church, held various seats on the Belfield City Council and local Chamber of Commerce and was also a member of the Belfield American Legion. Skeeter was also very influential in renovating the Belfield Theater. Skeeter loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed collecting Kaiser Frazer cars, stamps, coins, and liked to write and sketch as well. Skeeter learned to play the organ by ear and kept his family entertained on many occasions. His famous ?Dry? sense of humor will be missed by all. He is survived by his mother, Mildred Kessel-Talkington of Belfield, ND; a son, Leonard Kessel of Belfield, ND; three daughters, Michelle McRae of Belfield, ND; Bonnie (Brad) Klein of Dickinson, ND; Bev (Tim) Ebert of Belfield, ND; seven brothers, LeRoy Kessel of Belfield, ND; Raymond (Cheryl) Kessel of Belfield, ND; Charles (Leona) Kessel of Belfield, ND; Allan (Jean) Kessel of Santa Fe, NM; Larry (Jeannie) Kessel of Fargo, ND; Tom (Mary) Kessel of Bismarck, ND; Ralph Kessel of Belfield; ND; four sisters, Cookie (Dennis) Bergman of Cincinatti, OH; Phylis Roth; Patsy Steiner; Shirley (Doc) Arneson all of Belfield; and eleven grandchildren, Dean, Keith and Casey McRae; Rachel and Bradley Klein; Gunnar, Heaven, Fynne, Rachel and Baby Ebert and Hailey Ecker. Vernon is proceeded in death by his father, Philip; one brother, Phil; three sisters, Daria Kessel, Joyce Benham, and Joanne Schroeder.


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Burial Date: March 31, 2006
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Friday, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield, ND