ROCHELLE — Caroline Ethel Kessen, 95, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Liberty Village in Rochelle, Illinois.  Caroline was born on March 30, 1928 to George F. and Maxine D. (Hauser) Schabacker in Rochelle.  On November 26, 1955, she married David F. Kessen in Oregon, IL.  They were married for almost 60 years before he passed on September 27, 2015. Caroline worked with her husband for many years.

Caroline was a strong person with a heart of gold.  She truly loved life and made the most of everything she did.  She enjoyed playing cards, canning, mowing the yard, gardening, crocheting and loved traveling. . . fast. 

She is survived by her six children: Gary Clark of Chana, IL, Gayla Clubb of Monroe Center, IL,   Stewart (Stephanie) Kessen of Globe, AZ, Joanna (Willliam) Newman of Claypool, AZ, Lois (Steve) Delhotal of Rochelle and Sarah (Robert) Tarlton of Phoenix, AZ; four sisters: Delores Willis of Greenlee, CO, Mildred Allen of Ringle WI, Elaine Powell of Topeka, KS, and Joyce Schabacker of Rochelle; two brothers-in-law, Harry Travis and Robert Kessen; three sisters-in-law: Norma Schabacker, JoAnn Kessen and Elaine Kessen; many grandchildren and great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Caroline was preceded in death by her brother, August Schabacker; sister, Martha Travis; two sons-in-law, Melvin Clubb and Randy Rowley; grandson, Justin Clubb; great granddaughter, Katie Croffoot; step grandson, Jeffery Suddeth and step granddaughter, Wendy Martin.

The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 30 at the funeral home.  Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle.  A memorial will be established. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the guest book.