Michael Eugene Kessler
October 25, 1960 ~ May 24, 2026
Born in: Leonardtown, Maryland
Resided in: Leonardtown, Maryland
Michael Eugene Kessler, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on May 24, 2026. He was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and dear friend to many.
Michael lived a life filled with love, laughter, and kindness. He was known for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, unwavering generosity, and deep devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was born on October 25, 1960, in Leonardtown, Maryland, the oldest son of the late Leonard Elwood Kessler and the late Florence Margaret Kessler. He graduated from Temple Christian School in 1978 and attended Charles County Community College.
Michael is survived by the love of his life and best friend, his wife, Bonnie Ridgell Kessler, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage; his children, Shaun Michael Kessler and his wife, Neliejoy, of Lexington Park, and Candace Marlene-Kessler Kotch and her husband, Ian, of California. He was “PopPop” to three special grandchildren: Lucy Grace Kessler, Darcy Mae Kotch, and Kessler Ian Kotch. These three had his heart.
He is also survived by his siblings: Susan E. Kessler-Fleury (Gill Lott) of Lexington Park; Barbara J. Smith (Nelson) of Lexington Park; Dianna L. Nueslein (Rick) of Hollywood; Joyce K. Nueslein of Lexington Park; Annette C. Wimmer (David) of Springfield, Virginia; Karen M. Stanley (Mike) of Lexington Park; and Jay W. Kessler (Ann) of Lexington Park; as well as sister-in-law Renee Kessler of Largo, Florida; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen L. Kessler.
Michael, owner of Kessler Bus Service, was a school bus contractor for St. Mary’s County Public Schools for 44 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed deer hunting, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac or Patuxent Rivers, watching NASCAR races, camping with dear friends, family beach trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and traveling with his wife, Bonnie. Last June, the entire family took his bucket-list trip to Alaska together.
He was a faithful member of Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Callaway, Maryland. Living a life devoted to serving the Lord, he faithfully served in church leadership and many ministries. Michael was Deacon of Member Care and served alongside his wife, Bonnie, on the Greeting and Hospitality Teams, as well as on the Church Security Team. He was also a member of the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce and St. Mary’s County School Bus Contractors Association.
Michael always had a passion for helping others. There was very little he could not do, and he generously shared his talents with family, friends, and even strangers. If someone needed help, he would drop everything to be there for them. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., 41590 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown, Maryland.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, 20741 Soaring Eagle Way, Callaway, Maryland, with Pastor Jeremy Rhoton officiating. Interment will be private.
Pallbearers will be Michael’s dearest friends and brothers in Christ: Rick Benefield, Rich Gough, Bruce Julian, John Laychek, Scott Lindsay, Dave Morris, Brad Reed, and Larry Reichard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, 20741 Soaring Eagle Way, Callaway, Maryland 20620.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Services
Visitation: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home
41590 Fenwick Street
Leonardtown, MD 20650
(301) 475-8500
Funeral Service: Thursday, June 11, 2026 11:00 am
Redeeming Grace Baptist Church
20741 Soaring Eagle Way
Callaway, MD
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Shaun, Nelie and family: I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of your Father, Father-in-law and husband and want to share that I am sending you my prayers and love as you navigate the difficulty of this loss.