Mary Theresa Gessler

Mary Theresa Gessler, 66, of Mission, Kansas died October 27, 2023 after a short stay at KU Medical Center.

The rosary which Mary loved and prayed often will be recited at 9:00am, Thursday, November 2, 2023 at St Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Ks 66203. Following the rosary, visitation with the family will commence until it is time for the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Mary will be buried in Calvery Cemetery, Wichita, Ks along side her parents and infant sister on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in a private service.

Mary was born on December 31, 1956 to NJ Gessler Jr. and Lorraine (Prosser) Gessler. She attended several Catholic grade schools and later graduated from Kapaun Mt Carmel High School in Wichita, Ks. Mary then went to the University of Kansas, graduating with her Fine Arts Degree in 1979 and her MBA in 1982.

Her independence & self motivation pushed Mary to work her way through college at a local Lawrence pharmacy, walking a mile or more in the sun, rain, sleet, or snow in defiance of the cerebral palsy she had battled since birth. Mary’s first and last employer after earning her MBA was the Federal Reserve of KC working there for over 41 years.

She retired from the Fed in September 2023 as a Senior Database Administrator.

Mary had great affection for her nieces & nephews whom she loved as her own as well as the numerous cats & birds who called her place home over the years.  She was a great baker of chocolate chip cookies, carmelites, and salsa.  She designed & painted Christmas ornaments, & beautiful original paintings using AI.  Mary courageously & fearlessly advocated for her beliefs in religion and politics.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Don Gessler, infant sister, Christine Ann Gessler, brother-in-law, Kevin Krumsick, and sister-in-law, Beverly Gessler.

Survivors include her siblings, Jack Gessler (Jo), Jim Gessler (Pam), Bill Gessler (Susan), Geri Krumsick Stodghill (Rob), Bob Gessler, goddaughter & niece, Robin Sharp, and many other beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to EWTN, https://www.ewtn.com/giving/donate

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