Charles Gessner, 81, Lifelong Resident of Brownhelm

He was born April 17, 1921 in Brownhelm Township where he was raised & attended school. He has been a lifelong resident of Brownhelm Township and has lived in the family homestead, Gessners Corner, all his life.

He served in the US Army during World War II. He was employed for Elmer Hume - Hume Construction for 20 years prior to working for the Ohio Department of Transportation. Mr. Gessner was employed of ODOT for 15 years retiring as a foreman in 1985. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Lorain and also a former member of Amherst American Legion Post #118. He enjoyed being with family and friends, coon hunting, fishing, gardening, and raising farm animals, especially sheep.

Survivors include his sons, Fred A. Gessner of Amherst and Chuck R. Gessner of Lorain; his daughters Diane M. Valerius of Birmingham and Chris T. Feldkamp of Vermilion; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Emily Amelia Gessner (nee Archibeque) on April 22, 2000; his parents Frederick and Roxie (nee Thompson) Gessner, and by his sister Dorothea Gessner.

Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Hempel Funeral Home: 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services with military honors by the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. from the Fellowship Baptist Church; 5046 Broadway, Lorain. The Rev. Frank Chittock, former pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Brownhelm Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, 5046 Broadway, Lorain 44053.