Fred Kenneth Kessel Obituary, Death: Lakewood Resident and Retired Agricultural Plant Manager Dies at 78
Fred Kenneth Kessel, 78, of Lakewood, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. His death marks the loss of a longtime agricultural industry professional, devoted family man, and familiar member of the Lakewood and Shelbyville communities.
Born on February 14, 1948, in Shelbyville, Illinois, Fred was the son of Burl Kenneth Kessel and Marjorie Moreen Plowman Kessel. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1966, where he was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), an early reflection of his connection to agriculture and rural community life.
Fred built a long career in manufacturing and agricultural services. He worked at Hydro-Gear in Sullivan, Illinois, and served as plant manager for So-Hi Grow, PC Ltd., and Okaw Crop Care. At the time of his retirement, he was plant manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions in Shelbyville. Through his years in industry, he contributed to the operations and management of businesses serving agricultural needs.
Family was central to Fred’s life. He married Sandra Kay Winings on December 28, 1967, and together they raised three children: Deanna, Debra, and Mathew. Sandra preceded him in death in October 2024 after more than 55 years of marriage. Fred’s family continued to grow through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives formed an important part of his legacy.
Outside work, Fred enjoyed playing golf with friends and spending time with those closest to him. His life reflected a lasting connection to his hometown roots, his profession, and his family.
Fred is survived by his children and their spouses, six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother David Kessel, his sisters Judy Johnson and Ruth Riley, and his nephew Larry Johnson.
Private family services will be held, with burial at Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville Chapter of the Future Farmers of America through Howe and Yockey Funeral Home.
As family and friends remember Fred Kessel, his legacy lives on through the generations he helped raise, the work he carried out throughout his career, and the relationships he maintained over a lifetime.