Stephen Kessler

Stephen Burns Kessler The youngest of nine children, Stephen Burns Kessler (born August 7, 1950) revered his father, Joseph Kessler: a busy doctor known for his kindness. His mother, Margaret Burns, the perennial hostess, responded to Stephen's brilliance and creativity with equally high expectations. A renaissance man in the truest sense, he found most things interesting, and if he found it interesting, he would excel in it. At 10, the Kessler family moved to the Ladue Estates neighborhood. When Stephen saw a gaggle of boys congregate in the nearby field, he presumed they were a Boy Scout troop, popped on his uniform, and introduced himself with "I'd like to join ya". The Stutz boys, though decidedly not a Boy Scout troop, welcomed him with open arms; this is how Stephen met his lifelong best friend, Cliff. Whether roommates or miles away, Cliff and Stephen were always connected. The bits of lost hearing from listening to music just a touch too loud were a small price to pay for the memories made. Stephen was born just in time for the golden age of rock and roll. An ardent fan of The Beatles, he would happily wax poetic about the various albums, EP, and deep cuts. He was very close with his sweet Grandmother Maggie, who bought a 14-year-old Stephen a pair of Beatle boots that remained a prized possession throughout his life. With a keen eye for aesthetics, his iconic style shifted by decade; corduroy vests, tweed sport coats with suede elbow patches, Irish caps and leather jackets. His style remained sharp, crisp, and uniquely Stephen, always with his curly dark (then much to his chagrin, grey) hair and beard, complimented by his round wire glasses framing his bright smile. He was stately, and always delighted when someone called him "Doctor"; rarely, if ever, correcting them. Stephen adored kids, even playing music for pediatric patients at Ranken Jordan Children's Hospital in his youth. Some of his favorite people were his nieces and nephews, spending countless hours playing cards and Monopoly with them. He was a close confidant, and they were among the rare few allowed to call him Steve. One day, the Tom Kessler kids realized their Dad stashed most of a Tippin's pie in the basement refrigerator. Each took a bite (or two) resulting in a noticeable lack of pie. Fearing the worst, they called Uncle Steve for help, who came through with a new Tippin's pie, then assisted in polishing off the evidence, and sliced off just enough of the new pie to be a perfect replacement. Stephen's brother Tom was never the wiser. Stephen's storied career across art and science began with music, writing soaring orchestral pieces like the Symphony of the Voyager, Concelebrate, and Laser Rock-his work was played across the country to great acclaim. A night owl, he would write into the wee hours, guzzling coffee (an avocation passed to his children) and chain-smoking, emerging with remarkable, gorgeous work and falling promptly into a deep sleep. Some of his favorite nights were spent with his close friend and collaborator Tom Frohlichstein, crafting album after album, across a half century of laughter and music. Stephen's greatest work, in the opinion of his deeply biased children, was "You're My Friend". Stephen met Mary Burke in high school but they didn't connect until years later when, while he was on a visit to Washington D.C., mutual friends set up a serendipitous blind date. Soon thereafter, Stephen proposed using an engagement ring made from a one-dollar bill. Once married, they were eager to start a family, resulting in three music-loving, tech enthusiasts: Stephanie, Emma, and Garin. In his next act, he took on the world of advertising, crafting compelling works of art for radio and television which received multiple international and local awards for film, directing, and music. The perennial perfectionist, frequently his colleagues would need to beg him for the spots after the deadline, submitting with as little as five minutes before air. Each made it in time-barely-and each was remarkable. His signature was to make a Christmas spot as well; whether the client wanted it or not. Further, he donated his talents to public service spots, offering cinematic gravity to multiple local nonprofits. Stephen was passionate about the world, and the universe beyond, researching and studying phenomena in weather, physics, and human nature. Stephen's kids have many fond memories of being awakened by their Dad to share a meteor shower, lunar eclipse, lightning storm, etc., admiring the beauty of nature and the broad sky above. Stephen channeled this interest into writing feature length screenplays, including Magnetic North, No Greater Love, and Catch the Wind, along with many others. He created beautiful cinematic experiences, which are cherished by all who view them, and he rightfully defended his intellectual property fiercely. His creative works enabled him to nurture his lifelong interest in the sciences. Stephen always delighted in the awe of astrological phenomena, seeking to express and expand upon their beauty. He solicited the expertise from researchers at NASA, which set him on an enduring and passionate journey through theoretical and astrophysics. He studied diligently and earned the trust and support of many mentors across academia. Stephen's passion resulted in his Research Fellowship at Webster University, his successful defense of six international patents, and the development of many esteemed and dearly respected friends. Stephen was brilliantly creative, a charismatic force of nature himself. He peacefully passed away on February 22, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children singing to him, playing guitar for him, listening to The Beatles with him, and proudly sharing stories about him. Everything went according to his wishes. Stephen is survived by his wife, Mary Burke, his children Stephanie Thayer (Todd), Emma Clemenson (David), and Garin Kessler, alongside his adoring grandchildren, Freya, Teddy, Aurora, and Alex. Stephen's memory will be tenderly remembered by his remaining siblings: Bill Kessler (Pat), Frank Kessler (Mary), John Kessler (Magda), Mary McCarthy, Lucy Kessler, and sister-in-law Liz Kessler. A beloved uncle, he will be fondly recalled by scores of nieces and nephews. He lives on in ever so many ways. A Celebration of Life will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Maplewood, MO. Funeral Service will be 12:00 pm Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Maplewood, MO. A Private Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Affton, MO.

Stephen Kessler

August 7, 1950 - February 22, 2024