Obituary of Bonnie Jean Kessler
Bonnie Jean (Harrel) Kessler, aged 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Bonnie was born in El Reno, OK on January 22, 1938, the eldest daughter of Willie "Bonnie" Juanita (Newman) and James Orland Harrel. She was a child prodigy, becoming a pianist at age 4. She received many accolades for her performances. She won medals and made recordings with radio stations in Oklahoma City. At the age of fourteen, she learned to play the organ and played for many church services, weddings and funerals from then until her retirement in Ottawa, Illinois.
She was a graduate of Midwest City High School in 1955 and continued her education at the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in music with a major in education, earning her teaching certificate in 1959. Bonnie moved to Ottawa, Illinois in 1963. Music was a major influence in her life; she was involved in several music clubs including Pro Musica and Ottawa High School musicals.
Bonnie is survived by two daughters Bonita Kathleen Herren (Traci) Montgomery and Jennifer Elizabeth Herren (Frank) Wilds; grandchildren Megan Kathleen (nee Hampton) (Steven) Feldman, Robert Kenneth (Molly) McEvoy, Sean Patrick (Brandie) McEvoy, Sarabeth Eleanor McEvoy, and Oliver Keith Montgomery; great-grandchildren Samantha Marlielijah Feldman, Abigail Elizabeth McEvoy, Samuel Philip McEvoy, and Arthur Robert McEvoy; and one brother, James Orland Harrel, Jr. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, and nephew.
A Memorial Service for Bonnie Jean Kessler will be held in the spring of 2026 for close friends and family. As it was Bonnie's request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Guardian Angel Hospice of Central Indiana https://www.gahfoundation.org/ who provided loving care and medical assistance for her last nine months.
For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
