JoAnn Francis Kessel – Obituary
Jo Ann Francis Kessel, a longtime resident of Franklinville New Jersey, born on December 22, 1943, in
Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on December 27, 2024, after courageously battling cancer and Addison’s
disease. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Stephen John Kessel Jr., affectionately known as Jack,
with whom she shared 61 rewarding years of marriage. Jo Ann is survived by her daughter Beth Ann
Kessel, son Stephen Charles Kessel and his wife Kelly Sperry Kessel, who she loved as her own, and her
cherished granddaughter Alaska Kessel.
Throughout her life, Jo Ann was a steadfast supporter of her husband as he embarked on the journey of
starting a new business during their early years together, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to
family and partnership. The home that Jo Ann and Jack built together was her favorite place in the world,
a testament to their love and shared life. Christmas was her most treasured time of the year, and she
worked tirelessly to create special and memorable celebrations for her family, passing down joyful
traditions to future generations.
Jo Ann took great pride in her family and found immense joy in the milestones of her loved ones. She
celebrated her daughter Beth’s graduation from college, going on to become a teacher, and honored her
son Steve’s achievements during his time in the United States Marine Corps, especially attending his boot
camp graduation. Jo Ann also delighted in flying down to Florida throughout the years to spend time with
her granddaughter, Alaska, and was proud to witness her graduate from high school and grow into a
responsible adult and homeowner.
Family ties run deep as Jo Ann had a love for classical music stemming from her operatic mother Annette
Keller. She treasured her moments spent attending the opera, often recalling fond memories of riding the
train into New York with her mother to experience the magic of music. The appreciation and magic of
music lives on in her granddaughter Alaska, a classically trained guitarist and songwriter.
Jo Ann was a vibrant and passionate individual, and the line “I have a need, a need for speed,” from one
of her favorite movies, “Top Gun”, perfectly sums up her zest for life. She was known for her love of
NASCAR, and her adventurous spirit that led her to learn to fly a single-engine plane, culminating in a
proud solo flight.
Professionally, Jo Ann began her career as a part-time teller and worked her way up to becoming a
respected bank manager. She played a crucial role in the opening of several branches in South Jersey,
forging lasting friendships with her colleagues along the way.
Jo Ann Francis Kessel leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a boundless zest for life that will be
remembered by all who knew her. Her family and friends will deeply miss her, as they continue to honor
her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to those she held dear. This includes not only her immediate
family but also her beloved nieces, nephew, and great-nieces, who she always spoke of so fondly, all of
whom were touched by her warmth and care.
Services to celebrate Jo Ann’s life will be held at Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 North Main Street,
Williamstown, NJ on Saturday February 8th. A visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, where a
service will follow at 2:00 pm.