Roland D. Kesler passed away October 21, 2020, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter, Kansas. He was born February 4, 1927, on the family farm southwest of Quinter to Walter Benjamin and Ruth Marie (Miller) Kesler.
Roland attended grade school at the Fairview School. He graduated from Quinter High School with the class of 1944. Roland enrolled with McPherson College that Fall. At the end of the semester, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for the duration of the war.
He married Valetta Mae Folkers on February 24, 1952. To this union were born four sons, Daryl of WaKeeney, Rex of Houston, Texas, Gary of Ottawa, and Lynn of St. Cloud, Florida. They all survive him. Roland then became Postmaster of Quinter Post Office in 1959 and served until 1987.
Roland and Valetta then began the years of “Snowbirds” in Tucson, Arizona for 3 years, then McAllen, Texas for 25 years. During the years from 1990 to 2009, the fall months were spent volunteering at SERRV in New Windsor, Maryland. He found it difficult to describe the pleasure of volunteering. He enjoyed many evenings playing winter volleyball and playing softball in the summertime. They enjoyed playing cards and many games in McAllen and in the later years.
Other survivors include his grandchildren, Jeff and Tara Kesler, McKenzie and Thiago Baby, Grady and Jessica Kesler, Brice and Whitney Kesler, Lucas Kesler, Catherine Kesler, Quinton Kesler; and six great-grandchildren, Matthew Kesler, Emma Kesler, Aubrey Kesler, Connor Kesler, Garret Kesler, and Kobe Long. Also surviving are step grandchildren, Jordan Long, Chris and Cory Long, Charissa Castellanos, and Brittany Abbott; and sisters, Doris Metzler of Bridgewater, Virginia, and Carol Hess of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Sylvan Kesler; and sisters, Lera Kesler and Vivian Norton.
Memorial services will take place at a later date. Cremation was chosen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Quinter Church of The Brethren or the Quinter Senior Citizen’s Center. Donations made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main, Quinter, KS 67752.