Joyce B Kesler

Joyce B. Kesler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loving friend to many, was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 29, 2023. She was born on November 10, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late John S. Bush and Catheryn Mae Bush (Eaton).

She will be forever cherished and dearly missed by her daughter, Anne Linenberger (Ken), son, James Brinkman (Nancy), and stepsons, William Kesler (Sheila) and Robert Kesler (Diana). She was a source of love, joy and inspiration to her 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the blessing of having her in our lives for so many years. For that we are eternally grateful to God.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert C. Brinkman and William R. Kesler, as well as her son, Robert E. Brinkman and daughter, Mary Brinkman Frank.

Joyce grew up in the depression era, survived scarlet fever as a child and watched many of the boys from her neighborhood and college head off to war, never to return. She endured the loss of two husbands and two children, all the while remaining steadfast in her faith and carrying herself with grace and dignity. Joyce loved to cook and would often say “There’s nothing like a good old (insert your favorite comfort food)”. She loved to entertain and looked forward to “Cocktail Hour” each night. She loved to dance and sing and what a beautiful singing voice she had. Joyce was an artist and poet. She sewed, knitted, crocheted and made her own outfits. She taught herself how to play the ukulele so as to keep her fingers limber for knitting. Whatever the occasion, Joyce always dressed beyond what was expected. Her smile was infectious and she loved to laugh. She loved to tell stories about her experiences in life and nobody would ever say anything when she shared the same story multiple times. (Sentence removed Here)

Most important, Joyce was a humble servant of God, accepting the path he chose for her. Tested many times in her almost 98 years of life, she fiercely clung to her faith, never letting go of her Lord’s hand and trusting he would lead her through the dark days and challenges she faced. She prayed daily, not only for strength in times of trouble and heartache, but also for the many blessings God provided throughout her life. “Love one another” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” were scripture verses she lived by. Now in Heaven and enjoying the gift of eternal life with those who passed before us, we can only believe upon arrival God said, “We’ll done, good and faithful servant”.

A Celebration of Life for Joyce will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington, Illinois. The Memorial Visitation will begin at 10:00am with the Service following at 11:00am. Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider making a donation to the Barrington Area Council On Aging (BACOA) in Joyce's memory. Your generosity will help support the important work of BACOA in serving the local senior community. Contributions can be made online at www.BACOA.org.