Kessel, Leigh Alan Nov 25, 1939 - Apr 10, 2019 A warm, loyal, funny, loving spirit left this earth on April 10th, embraced by his wife Kay of 50 years, his son Brad at their side, close friends and deeply supportive hospice staff surrounding him in joyful singing and prayers. With much gratitude for all of the thoughts and prayers and support from everyone who knew Leigh and Kay, the incredible people at Grace Hospice and Mount Olivet / Careview... all of this combined truly provided for dignity and many moments of grace in his passing. Leigh was born in LaMoure, North Dakota to Theodore Kessel and Esther Stephens on Nov. 25, 1939. He graduated from LaMoure High School and attended UND for one year. In the summer of 1958 he had a devastating accident and head injury at age 19 that changed his life forever. He graduated from the U of Mich with a degree in Actuarial Math and otherwise concentrated on his recovery by working out every day at the U of Mich gymnasium directed by Dr. Rigan, Athletic Director. Leigh worked on Wall Street, then came to MN, met Kay and earned a Masters at Carlson School of Management as Systems Analyst. He was part of early computer language development in the 1960's. He is survived by his wife Kay, daughter Kristina (David Parsons), grandchildren, Felix, Gabriel, Luco and son Bradon, grandchildren Darren and Brevin, brother Theodore Kessel Junior (Barbara), sister Karine Todd and many loving nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother DeRaine Kessel, and sister Joyce Kessel. We are planning a memorial service on June 30th at Richfield United Methodist Church located at 58th and Lyndale in Minneapolis at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Adult Day Services or Grace Hospice.

Published on April 21, 2019