Patricia M. Kessel, 85, of Mendota, passed away September 22, 2022 in her home.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Private burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota with Father Jeff Windy officiating.

Patricia was born November 30, 1936 in LaSalle to Joseph and Loretta (Wallock) Kralj. She married Leo Kessel on June 17, 1960 in LaSalle.

Patricia worked at Hart Carter and Westclox for several years. She enjoyed attending car shows and camping with her husband. She loved to crochet and made several afghans which won blue ribbons at the Mendota Tri-County Fair. She had a soft heart for all animals. Most of all, Patricia was very proud of her family and was the glue that held them all together.

She is survived by her two sons Bill (Tammy) Kessel of Steward and Jim Kessel of Peru; one daughter Deb (Tony) Wagner of Mendota; 8 grandchildren Aaron Wagner, Chris Wagner, Lisa Matos, Nathan (Carissa) Kessel, Toni (Zack) Giertych, Stephanie Kessel, Nick Thurnau and Chris (Angela) Thurnau; 5 great grandchildren and one niece and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2003, a daughter Lisa in infancy and her sister Diane Pyszka.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue or the donors choice.