Avery Bassett Kessler

.Avery Bassett Kessler, (A.B.K.) of Muskego, died on Monday, July 7, 2014 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 83. He was born on January 9, 1931 the son of the late Lewis Hanford and Elizabeth Macasalyn (nee Hill) Kessler. Avery took great pride in his hometown of Madison, WI where he attended the University of Wisconsin. He became a member of Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Pi Chapter and obtained his BS in 1952. Interrupted by Uncle Sam and Harry Truman, Avery proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He then pursued his Law Degree; graduating in 1957. He became a member of the National Fraternity Chapter for lawyers of Phi Delta Phi. Avery worked as a corporate attorney for Gugler Lithographers , which merged to Tempo Communications a subsidiary of the Milwaukee Journal until 1984 when he retired. After retirement he worked as a freelance consultant and most recently worked at Blain’s Supply until 2013.

Avery will be sadly missed by his best friend and loving wife of 25 years, Kathleen Kessler (K.M.K.)of Muskego. He will also be missed by his step-daughter Tracy Kittell, (the late Tony) and step-granddaughter Nina Kittell of Waupun. He is further survived by his sister Gwen (the late Rex) John of Bridgeman, MI, niece Nancy John(Ed Valauskas) of Bridgeman and niece Susan John of Englewood FL. along with other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by Brother Lew Jr. and sister in-law Kay.

Avery knew how to enjoy life and keep things simple. As you may know he was an avid Badger’s (GO BUCKY) and Green Bay Packer’s fan. Nothing was better than having an on the rocks Vodka martini and a win for Wisconsin. His father and mother were members of the Sons/ Daughters of the American Revolution and involved with a multitude of Historical organizations. This inspired Avery’s love of history and country. He was well versed in one of his favorite aspects of history, the Civil War. Besides being an avid reader he kept up on world and political events and knew how to have a great conversation. Crossword puzzles were an all time favorite that could only be improved by pairing with chocolate covered toffee.

Thank you to the doctors and staff who cared for Avery at Waukesha Memorial especially in the ICU.

Honoring Avery’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials are appreciated to the Fisher House Wisconsin, 5000 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295, to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.