AMBOY — Emil H. "Andy" Kessel, 90, of Amboy, died Monday, April 30, 2018, peacefully surrounded by his family at Maple Crossing in Amboy.

He was born in May Township Lee County the son of Art and Ella Kessel.

He was a veteran of the Army during the Korean War serving as a Landing Craft Mechanism Instructor.

Andy worked for Northern Illinois Gas Co. for 35 years prior to retirement. He had also worked with his son Brad for 20 years and was a life long farmer, and raised animals of all kinds. He loved horses, goats, cattle and all of his animals.

Andy was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy where he was a member of and past president of the church council. He was also a life time member of the Green River Saddle Club, a member and past president of the Rock River Trail and Horsemen Association, a 4-H leader and had also served on the 4-H Center Board.

Andy was a devoted husband and father, his family was his life. He enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's activities and events. Andy was a lifelong horseman who shared his knowledge and passion for horses with his family. He loved buying and selling most anything, especially farm equipment, horses and antiques.

He also loved old Ford autos.

Andy married Kathy Schabacker on June 19, 1959 in Rochelle.

He is survived by his wife; children, Lorrie (Frank) Conry, of Oregon, Brad (Pam) Kessel, of Amboy, Kurt (Sara Eustis) Kessel, of Phillips, Maine, Kelly (Dave) Meurer, of Ashton; nine grandchildren, Lane, Mark, Brianna, Stephanie, Kory, Kristy, Lexi, Levi, and Laci; three step

grandchildren, Amy, Brian and Kelly; three great-grandchildren, Sadie, Gage and Cole; and six step great-grandchildren, Meredith, Ellie, Brooke, Jack, Nicholas and Clara. He is also survived by a sister, Dolly Smith of Arkansas, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Chad Johnson; one sister, Henrietta Friel; and one brother, Don Kessel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy with the Rev. Barbara Otten officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m., on Thursday, at the church and from 9 to 10 a.m., on Friday, at the church.

Burial of cremains will be at a later date in Binghampton Cemetery in Amboy.

Memorials have been established to the Immanuel Lutheran Church and Unity Hospice.

Arrangements by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy. Condolences may  be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com.