Delbert Eugene “Gene” Kessler II, 53, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family in Abbyville, KS. Gene was born on November 8, 1971, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Delbert E. and Nici A. (Snyder) Kessler Sr.
In 1991, Gene graduated from Buhler High School and attended Pratt Community College where he was on the rodeo team. On April 4, 2000, he married Dona R. Haeflinger in Hutchinson, KS. He was a cowboy at Sellers Feedyard, held his CDL and served as a truck driver hauling cattle, grain and hay for many organizations, including Golden Belt Feeders, and owner of Circle K Farms. Gene was a cowboy whose journey was full of love, laughter and adventures.
Gene enjoyed team roping, rodeos, cattle, horses, livestock and farm life. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was affiliated with 4-H where he showed cows, hogs, and sheep, Future Farmers of America, and Kansas High School Rodeo Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Tom and Lilly Snyder and Admiral Dewey and Ruth Kessler.
Gene is survived by his wife, Dona; children, “J” (Victoria) Reta, DJ (Alayna) Reta, Shyanne Kessler, Jakob (Mackenzie) Kessler and Travis Kessler; grandchildren, Zoie, Ivy and Finley Reta, and Reyna, Karson, Emery, and Kutter Kessler; brothers, Jason Kessler, Thomas Kessler, Chris Kessler and Greg Kessler; sisters, Annette Marquardt and Kristina Kessler.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS. Memorials may be given to Cancer Council of Reno County and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.