Michael James Kessel

Michael James Kessel was born on February 3, 1952 in Salem, Oregon to James and Eva Kessel. The second of five children, Michael was raised in Salem, Oregon and attended St. Vincent DePaul School, Serra Catholic High School, and graduated from McNary High School in 1970. After graduation, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for most of his enlistment. He then received an electronics degree from Chemeketa Community College and began a career with Pacific NW Bell, now Qwest Communication, and retired in 2007 with more than 30 years with the company.
Michael's job with Qwest took him to Eugene where he became an avid Oregon Duck fan and was a season ticket holder for Duck Football for over 20 years. Mike was a passionate sports fan and along with the Oregon Ducks, he loved NASCAR and the Atlanta Braves. Mike was a special man that loved his family and was very devoted to his faith.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, James Kessel and niece, Amy Sandall. He is survived by his mother, Eva Kessel of Keizer; sisters, Peggy (Dennis) Cavanagh, Susan (Rodney) Sandall, both of Keizer, brothers Tim (Edie) Kessel of Keizer and Randy Kessel of Vancouver, Washington. He is also survived by nephews, Jeff Cavanagh, Brian Cavanagh, Joshua Sandall, Scott Sandall and Grant Kessel; nieces, Jamie Unger and Lauren Kessel and 10 great-nieces and nephews.
Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church located at 1015 Columbia St. N.E., Salem, Oregon. The family would like to thank the nurses at Salem Hospital 5 North for their excellent care and compassion during Mike's short stay. The family requests any donations be made in Mike's memory to St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon.