Kayleen Ann Kessler, 85, of Rock Island, IL and Breckenridge, CO, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Overlook Village in Moline, IL.

Private family inurnment will be at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday, August 10, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Rock Island – Milan Education Foundation.

Kayleen was born March 29, 1941, in Pierre, SD, the daughter of Kenneth H. and Hortense M. (Engelking) Fritts. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University (TCU) and was a proud horned frog alum. She married Roger Kessler on June 12, 1965, in Denver, CO.

Kayleen worked for Jefferson County School District in Denver, CO, before she met and married Roger. They moved to Dubuque, IA to start a family. They moved back to Denver for a short time and finally settled in the Quad Cities to raise their family. Kayleen volunteered and held office positions in the school PTA, was a Financial Officer in the Rock Island Jr. Board, and volunteered at the Visiting Nurses Association and PEO. After being a wonderful stay at home mother, she went back to teaching and worked for the Rock Island – Milan School District as a first and second grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School for over 10 years. Retirement was spent in 3 places sharing good times with so many of you. Breckenridge, CO: hiking, sailing, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, enjoying the mountain flowers and convertible rides looking at fall colors. Bonita Springs, FL: beach walks, shelling, picnics, pool time and so many special times with friends and family. Quad Cities, IL: Kayleen loved the QC because of her friends and family. She couldn’t wait to come back to laugh and chat with her friends at the coffee shops, shopping trips and pizza nights. Sharing and experiencing life together and making so many wonderful memories is who Kayleen was. She was loving, fun, patient, kind, caring and listened. She drew you in and made you feel special and loved. She collected so many teaching sweaters, cocktail napkins with fun phrases, blue bowls and bird houses. She lived by eating dessert first! She was an avid reader and enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Her passion was teaching children to read. To honor Kayleen, please read with someone or chat about one of your favorite reads while eating a sweet treat. Kayleen valued family and friends and cherished this time together and made it a priority. She opened her home and heart and touched everyone she met. Kayleen was nicknamed “Herbert” and “Smiley” and described as sweet, fun loving and great with kids. She is described as a grand wife, mother, grandma, G or nanna, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and lady that the world will miss.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Kessler (3 children and 9 grandchildren); Kristen Kessler (Ernesto) Alex, Steven and Adam, Karol Oelschlaeger (Fred) Kendell, Landon, Caroline and Katarina, Steven “Fritz” Kessler (Tammy) Cavan and Katrin; and brother, Thomas Fritts. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jack and Larry.

A special thank you to all who supported and cared for Kayleen at Overlook Village and Compassus. You truly are appreciated by Kayleen and her family.

Condolences may be left for the family by signing Kayleen's guestbook.