Keith Arthur Kessler

Keith Arthur Kessler age 80 of Dawsonville Georgia, passed away in his sleep at home on September 12, 2023, in the care of his loving family and caregiver. Keith and his twin brother Craig were born on February 26, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan. Keith was a dedicated family man, a professional civil engineer, a veteran officer of the US Army, a good friend to many, a music and nature lover, and a man with a quiet, steady, and strong relationship with God.

Keith earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Tech, a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Georgia Tech and was a professional engineer registered in 13 states. He was stationed in Germany for active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam era where he was the Adjutant for an Engineer Battalion. He worked 33 years for Ebasco where he became Principal Engineer and head of the Civil Engineering Department. His career initially focused on the design of power plants (hydroelectrical and others), and later turned to the design and construction of dams. For the last eight years of his career, Keith worked for the Federal Engineering Regulatory Commission, Division of Dam Safety, where he became Branch Chief of the Atlanta Regional Office.

Keith and Linda were married in Germany in 1973; they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023. His family meant everything to him; he cherished being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle. In high school he was an active member of the band, the basketball team, drama and forensic poetry, and was Student Council President. Keith and Linda made Georgia their home in 1974, where they lovingly raised their four children. Upon his retirement in 2013, Keith and Linda built their dream home on Lake Lanier in the Athens Boat Club where they welcomed visits from their children, grandchildren, and friends. Keith was continuously active in the Lutheran Church throughout his adult life, singing in several church choirs and continually strengthening his relationship with the Lord.

In the last years of his life, Keith lived through a rare degenerative disorder that attacked his motor and language skills. With the loving help of his wife Linda and their son Erik, he was able to continue living in his lake house he helped build. Although his final days were challenging, he never stopped communicating his love or manifesting his strength of character.

Keith is survived by his wife Linda Schultz Kessler; four children Lori Linda Kessler Gratl, Holly Elizabeth (Kessler) Barbour, Erik Keith Kessler, and Kara Virginia Kessler Pruitt; six grandchildren Eliza and Caleb Barbour, August, and Melody Pruitt, Alexander and Victor Gratl; three sons-in-law John Barbour, Jeff Pruitt, and Jason Gratl; siblings Ken, Craig, Phil, Nina, Mike, and Kim, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Charles and Virginia (Winkler) Kessler, and his siblings Kay and Jay.

Keith’s remains are buried in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lilburn on Sunday, September 17 at 1:30 pm, followed by a reception. Live streaming available for the service: https://youtube.com/live/y-K9pAlfbIg?feature=share. In lieu of flowers, donations given in Keith’s memory can be made to the Keith Kessler Memorial Fund, c/o Trinity Lutheran Church, 1826 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn GA 30047; or to a charity cause of personal choice.