BRUCE H KESSEL

Long time Libby resident Bruce Kessel, 81, passed away on June 7, 2020 at his home in Libby of natural causes. He was born to Herbert and Lucille Harvey Kessel on August 22, 1938 in Spokane, WA. He moved to Libby in 1947 with his father, step-mother Maude Krigbaum Kessel, and stepbrothers La Moine and Morris Krigbaum. They had purchased and operated the Libby Bakery for many years.

He graduated from Libby High School in 1957 and joined the US Air Force. He returned after four years in the military, and was hired as a Deputy Sheriff.  When the Sheriff resigned, Bruce was appointed Sheriff at 23 years of age.  After serving the unfinished term of the previous Sheriff, he went to work at the Libby mill, and the Montana Light and Power Company powerhouse for several years which was located at the mill site.

Bruce also owned and operated an industrial fraud investigation business. He retired in 1994 from the power plant at the mill which was owned by Simpson at that time.

He and his wife Patricia moved to Post Falls, ID to be closer to her doctors that treated her for the MS she was suffering with.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and competition shooting, raising mountain lions and taking them to schools in several states for their general assemblies. He also spent a lot of time back packing and camping in the Cabinet Mountains, and being with family and friends.

Bruce moved back to Libby in 2012 after his wife passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia, a brother William and step-brother La Moine Krigbaum.

He is survived by his sons Rodney (Carol),  Lakewood, WA; Duane of Libby; William of Post Falls, ID; daughter Melissa Williams of Coeur d’Alene, ID; step-sons Scott Cahoon of Spokane, WA, Wade Kessel Lippert and Sheryl of Sidney, MT; step-daughter Shelly Koch of Carlin, NV; step-brother Morris Krigbaum (Marla), New Meadows, ID; brother John McDonald and sister Georgia Temper both of Hemet, CA; and several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

May he now rest in Peace with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Services are being held on Monday at the City of Libby Cemetery with military honors.  Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be share at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.