Kesler, Ted (1947-2020)

KESLER, DOWNARD, ANDERSON, STRASSER

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Klein Memorial Park - Spring-Klein - Tomball, Texas website

Ted was born on November 22, 1947 in Webster City, Iowa and raised on a farm with his parents, Mary [Strasser] and Fred Kesler, and his siblings Tom, Pat, and Joe. He had wonderful formative years on the farm and learned lessons that would carry him through life.

He attended Webster City High School where he played football for a successful Lynx team for four years. From there he went on to play football at NIACC, which was the junior college in Mason City, Iowa. Ted completed his football career at Drake University and played in the Pecan Bowl for Drake his senior year.

Ted and Josie Downard Kesler were high school sweethearts and wed on August 2, 1969. After graduation in 1970, they packed their tiny U-Haul and headed for Houston where Ted had secured a job in an insurance company. They left the cold Iowa winters behind for places unknown.

After two years at the insurance company, Ted moved to an insurance brokerage firm, then called Johnson and Higgins (currently Marsh and McLennan). He was their insurance broker in charge of international accounts.

Ted and Josie started a family in 1974 with son, Chris and 1978 with daughter, Carrie. Since then, they have added daughter-in-law, Jill, and son-in-law, Jerry. Most importantly were the additions of their three grandchildren, Abby (9), Colin (7), and Alex (4) that brought them unimaginable joy.

Ted’s health declined as early as 39 years of age when he experienced his first heart attack (the same age as his father’s first heart attack). He had bypass surgery at 45 and continued to have issues before his company finally suggested that he go on disability at age 48.

Ted took to “retirement” quickly and involved himself in volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Science Olympiad, the Alley Theater, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and helping friends and neighbors. He also played a critical role in the care of Josie’s aging parents in Iowa. After Josie retired in 2006, Ted spent much of his time on the computer planning trips for them both here and abroad. Their most recent trip was last summer to Ireland and Iceland.

Ted is survived by his wife, Josie, and son, Chris, and daughter, Carrie, and his three grandchildren. His sister, Pat, is still living in Webster City along with his nieces, Dawn Kesler and Kate Anderson. His nephew, Layne Kesler, lives in California. He is also survived by first cousins, a great-niece, and four great-nephews.