Dennis “Denny” Dean Kesler, age 78, passed away Thursday evening, Sept. 17, 2026, at Riverview Hospital, Crookston, MN following a brief but courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer.
Dennis was born in Crookston, on June 22, 1948, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Dennis graduated from the NW School of Agriculture in 1966 and married Bonnie Meyer in December 1969; together they had a son Dean.
Dennis served with the Minnesota National Guard and was honorably discharged on December 9, 1971. He farmed with his father, Art Kesler until Art’s retirement and spent a winter working in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dennis later returned to farming, working with his Uncle Harold Erdman and cousin Doug and Doug’s son, Eric on the Erdman Family farm.
Dennis was most at home on a tractor digging ground, taking great pride in doing his part to get the crop in and take it off each year. He loved to garden and proudly shared his bountiful harvest with family and friends and was especially proud of his tomatoes. Dennis looked forward to drinking coffee with friends and family, enjoyed caring for his yard and home, and tinkering with just about anything that needed fixing.
Dennis is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Dean and Sara Schulte, grandchildren Caleb and Makenzie Schulte, step-grandchildren Hannah and Hailey Waughtal, sister and brother-in-law Sheri and Larry Schofield, nieces Kristy (Corey) Thompson, Jennifer (Ben) Wahlund, Lisa Drewlow, nephew Scott Kesler, and many cousins.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Art Kesler, mother, Martha Erdman Kesler, and brothers David Kesler and Donnie Kesler and sister-in-law JoAnn Kesler.
Blessed be the memory of Dennis Kesler.
A funeral service honoring Denny’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 9:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed, a link to which will be available at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries/dennis-kesler
