Philip Kessel

Philip Gerald Kessel, age 79, died on September 8, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 12, 1933 to Philip Joseph and Leona Angeline Kessel in Saginaw, Michigan. Philip was united in marriage to Mary J. Gerhardt Kessel on September 8, 1956 at SS Peter & Paul Parish in Saginaw, Michigan.

Philip graduated high school from SS Peter & Paul in June of 1951. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, receiving a bachelors degree in 1956, and a masters degree in 1957.
Philip received his PhD from the University of Michigan in 1964. He was a teaching fellow at the University of Notre Dame; a teaching assistant at the University of Michigan; and at the University of Wisconsin, an engineering professor, supervised graduate students and was a department chairman. Philip was a resident engineer with Dow Chemical and granted patent #3,233,306 in 1966; and at the University of Michigan, was a Research Instructor and Instructor of Science & Technology. Philip developed several courses including Space Applications of Robotics & Satellite Dynamics. On June 30, 1994, Philip retired as Professor Emeritus with the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Dept of Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics. His Licensed Professional Engineer Societies include, Sigma XI, ASEE, ASCE, ASME, AIAA; and President of the American Assoc. of Engineering Mechanics, serving as Chairman in 1988. Philip also had 46 publications in engineering journals.

Philip loved his winters in Florida, puttering in his yard, setting puzzles, and watching his grandchildren grow.

Philip is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Philip Kessel (Kathy), Susan Perkins (Dwight), Karen Christiansen (James), Robert Kessel (Kari), and Kathleen Bly (Daniel); his grandchildren, Philip, Blake & Amanda Kessel, Alysa (Matthew Bunke), Tyler & Hilary Christiansen, Kaelyn, Bryce & Kinsey Kessel, Hannah & Jacob Bly, and Michael, Daniel, Jessica & Steven Birkle; and 13 great-grand children.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 13, 2013. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.

Memorials may be made in Philip's name to Our Lady of Mary Parish, P.O. Box 181, Boca Grande, FL 33921.