Herman J. Kessler of  Altoona, PA died June 19th, 2016.  He was born April 3, 1923 in Altoona, to Justin and Paulina Kessler.  On June 9th, 1956 he married Cecilia T. Golias of Nanty Glo at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Altoona.

Herman is survived by their four sons and their families: Kurt J. and Denise Kessler in Virginia with children Justin (engaged to Hannah Cheatham), Meagan (married to Dan Bahamonde with son Felix), and Alyssa; Max J. Kessler in Ephrata, PA with children Hans, Marta, and Kurt; Karl H. and Beth Kessler in Altoona with children Brittany in Chicago and Kyle in Virginia; and Mel and Patti Kessler in Minnesota with children Christopher and Anna.  He is also survived by his three sisters: Theresa Bettwy, Pauline Steinbugl, and Mary Agnes Kessler, all of Altoona.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rudolph A. Kessler on March 7, 2013.

Herman was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grade School and Altoona Catholic High School (Class of ’41).  He took engineering and technical courses at Penn State University’s Altoona Center including an Associate Degree course in Electrical Technology.  He then served in the Army Signal Corps as a Radar Operation and Maintenance Instructor.

He retired in 1987 after 45 years of service with the railroad.  As a Journeyman Machinist, Draftsman, then Senior Industrial Engineer he designed equipment and tooling for diesel engines, freight cars, and track components.  He also served as a member of the original Altoona Area Vo-Tech Advisory Board.

Herman was a longtime parishioner at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council, sang in the choir, and led the Cub Scouts.  He loved choral singing, and helped reestablish the St. Mary’s Men’s Choir as well as the Altoona Maennerchor.

Proud of his German Bavarian heritage, he was a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aid Society and the Unter Uns.  He helped reorganize the Unter Uns’ Schuhplattler Dance Troupe and played the button-accordion with the Almrausch Schrammel-Kapelle.

His favorite pastimes included reading the news, biking, gardening, and listening to classical music.  His greatest passion was the creation of the family’s indoor Nativity display.  “The Platform” grew larger each Christmas and became a cherished family tradition.  He was “Grosspop” to his grandchildren, and he loved to speak of their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.

Herman dearly loved his family, his home, and the view from his family room.  He deeply missed his wife, Cecilia, and the fullness she brought him.  She brightened each day of his life.

Relatives and friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday June 23, 2016 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona where a vigil service for the deceased will be held.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 24, 2016 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Altoona with Rev. Ronald V. Osinski officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to cancer research.