James F. Gessner, 65, was Awarded Bronze Star and Purple Heart in Vietnam War

James F. Gessner, 65, of Montgomery passed away on October 26, 2013. He was born December 7, 1947 in Hornell, NY.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Marian Pratt on June 14, 1969 and they spent the next 44 years together. He was a graduate of Hornell High School and received his Associates Degree from Alfred State University. He was in the 3rd/22 battalion of the 25thInfantry division in the Vietnam War and as a result, was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor and the Purple Heart.

Earlier in Jim’s life he was an active member of the Moose becoming a two time International RitualChampion in the Loyal Order of Moose Enrollment Ceremony and is a lifetime Moose member of Lodge 210 in Hornell, NY. He was also a member of the Montgomery VFW and St. Anne Catholic Church, Oswego where he served as head of Lector Ministry for 12 years. Jim was a devoted football fan of Oswego Panthers and Fighting Irish of Notre Dame

Jim began his career at Foster Wheeler Energy Corp in Dansville, NY. With his Moose experience he was asked to join Moose International, Mooseheart IL as the Assistant General Governor. He later spent 20 years self-employed in the recycling industry. The job he most enjoyed was in the last year as a Building Engineer of Oswego School District 308.

He is survived by his wife, Marian; two daughters Kristen Gessner of Montgomery; Andrea (Bill) Hatzinger of Montgomery; two grandchildren he loved dearly Ross and Payton Hatzinger; mother Betty Gessner of Hornell, NY; sister Debra (David) Dupont of Dansville, NY; brother Robert (Margo) Gessner of Arkport, NY; along with nieces and nephews around the country. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Fred Gessner and infant son Christopher Gessner.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 Douglas Road Oswego, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at St. AnneCatholic Church 551 Boulder Hill Pass Oswego, IL. Memorials can be made to the St. Anne Catholic Church Youth Ministry Program PO Box .

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. John Palmer, Dr. Wailam Kwok and Dr. Navinchandra Dodhia and the Dreyer Cardiology Clinic for the wonderful care Jim received during his prolonged illness.Thanks also go out to the VITAS Hospice for their gentle, tender care during his final week.

For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com

Obituary provided by Dunn Family Funeral Home