Kermit L. Kessler, 96, formerly of Plainfield Township, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Gracedale, in Upper Nazareth Township. He was the beloved husband of Emily Bush Kessler with whom he shared 68 years of marriage this past December.

Born at home on September 15, 1928, Kermit was one of three sons of the late Owen and Laura Ackerman Kessler. Raised in the small community of Kesslersville, he was brought up in a time when good values of family, friends and hard work sustained his everyday living. Kermit carried these attributes with him throughout his life. He never forgot his roots and he always relished the experiences he had growing up, down in the hollow, on the family farm.

Early in life he worked for Fehnel Construction and for some years, he worked for PennDOT with the PA State Road Dept. Eventually he was employed by the Plainfield Township Road Dept. where he worked for over 20 years until retirement. But it was farming that was in his blood and, throughout his life, he made the rounds selling farming supplies and seeds to the local farmers.

Often recognized by the hat he wore, he aways seemed to be full of energy and vitality. Those who knew him knew how much he liked to talk, laugh and socialize. He was a people person who always remained upbeat and just made you smile. Kermit loved Country music. He also loved being involved with the Plainfield Farmer's Fair and the Blue Mountain "Jacktown" Steam Engine Assoc. He was a former and long-time member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in Plainfield Township, before joining Hope UCC in Wind Gap.

In addition to his wife Emily, Kermit is survived by his son Rodney (LuAnn) Kessler and daughter, Vickey (Michael) Lipyanic; grandchildren Robert Berhel III, Jeffrey Berhel, Patrick Kessler and Michelle Giorgione; and great-grandchildren, Ciara Berhel, Robert Berhel IV, Olivia Berhel and Emily Berhel. In addition to his parents, Kermit was predeceased by a daughter, Gwendolyn Shober and his brothers, Lewis and Carl Kessler.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing, from 10-11am Tuesday, January 21, in the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth. A Funeral service will immediately follow, at 11am, in the funeral home. Kermit will be laid to rest in Forks Cemetery, Stockertown.