Gerald Jerry E. Kessel, a Denverite since 1971, passed away Oct. 11, 2013, at CU Hospital following a 30-year battle against several health problems.
Rabbis Bruce Dollin and Salomon Gruenwald and Cantor Martin Goldstein officiated at the Oct. 15 graveside service at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Family was his number one love, his family said.
Mr. Kessel was born Aug. 3, 1942, in St. Paul, Minn., to the late Joe and Ruth Kessel. He graduated from Central High School and the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy.
He married Gail Kessel on Feb. 12, 1967.
After working as a pharmacist for about two years, Mr. Kessel had an opportunity to go into the tire business and moved to Denver.
When Mr. Kessel got off the plane in Denver, he remarked to his wife that Colorado was beautiful and this is where he would live and die. He then proceeded to purchase a cowboy hat and boots.
He opened Interstate Tire in 1975 with partners Sherman Burry and Alby Stone. After eight years, he was briefly involved in the cattle business, became a realty broker with the Frederick Ross Co. and then started Newport Realty.
Also a land developer, Mr. Kessel worked as a water developer for the last two-and-a-half years of his life.
A great sports fan, he loved all the professional sports teams in Colorado, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Boston Red Sox. He also was an avid golfer and fly fisherman.
Mr. Kessel is survived by his wife Gail Kessel; children Marc (Barbra) Kessel and Amy (Michael) Servidio; grandchildren Jacquelyn, Brooke, Lauren, Jacob and Koby; and two sisters.
Contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2013 by the Intermountain Jewish News
