Marilyn M Kessel
Died Friday, April 11, 2014


Traverse City - Marilyn Margaret Scott Kessel, 85, of Traverse City died Friday, April 11, 2014 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Marilyn was born on October 03, 1928 to the late Andrew and Alice (Cock) Scott in Dearborn, MI. During Marilyn's high school years she worked as a tour guide at the Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Following her graduation from Fordson High School in Dearborn, Marilyn continued her education at Michigan State University. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a vocal music major.

Marilyn had a beautiful soprano singing voice and was often called upon to sing for weddings, funerals, church and musicals. In Junior High she began voice and piano lessons. Music and singing was very important throughout Marilyn's life.

While attending MSU, Marilyn met Howard Francis Kessel, who would become her husband on December 8, 1951 in Angola, IN. Howard preceded her in death on May 26, 2010.

Marilyn and Howard lived in Dearborn for many years. Marilyn stayed home with their three children in the early years and then later taught elementary school in the Dearborn Public Schools. Howard and Marilyn were members of Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church, where she loved singing in the choir.

In retirement years Marilyn and Howard moved to Elk Lake in Williamsburg, MI. They absolutely loved northern Michigan, nature and getting out on the water together. Marilyn was an avid bird watcher. She could always be counted on to know the names of each bird that landed on their bird feeders.

Marilyn was a member of the Retired Teachers Association here in Traverse City. She and Howard enjoyed attending the luncheon meetings and made many lasting friendships while there.

Marilyn often would tell the story that as a young girl her parent's house backed right up to Henry Ford's farm house. When Marilyn and her brother Ronald were children the elderly Henry Ford would come to visit his farm house. During these visits Henry Ford would invite Marilyn and Ron to come over and play in his barn. Henry Ford would show them how to "skin the cat" on his tire swing hanging in the barn.

Marilyn (and Howard) are survived by their daughter, Janet (Scott) Ruggles of Traverse City; their son, David (Rene) Kessel; their son, Robert Kessel; their grandchildren, Michael, David, Andy, Laura and Brian. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard; and her brother Dr. Ronald Marshall Scott.

Marilyn's family appreciates the kind and loving care she received from the staff at French Manor Assisted Living, the friendships she made with residents at French Manor and the weekly singing sessions with Mary Sue Wilkinson from Young At Heart Music.

Memorial services to celebrate Marilyn's life will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 02, 2014 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Rev. Chris Lane from Central United Methodist Church officiating.

The family would appreciate Marilyn being remembered through memorial contributions to The Alzheimer's Association, 921 W. Eleventh St., Suite1W, Traverse City, MI 49684( www.alz.org ) or to find the cure for Muscular Dystrophy with donations online at www.teamjoseph.info or mail donations to Team Joseph/Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3050 Union Lake Rd., Suite 8F, Commerce Twp, MI 48382.


Please share your memories and thoughts with Marilyn's family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.