Clifford R. "Cliff" Kesler, age 83 of Monroe, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at the Monroe Manor Nursing Home.

Cliff was born March 4, 1925 in Green County, Wisconsin, the son of Perry and Mary (Blumer) Kesler. He married Gladys Salzwedel on March 9, 1946 at the Immanuel Evangelical Church in Monroe. Cliff and Gladys farmed for eight years in Clarno Township before settling on the Salzwedel home farm in Sylvester Township where they farmed for 55 years.

He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe Moose Lodge #754, and served on the Dairy Producers Board of Directors. In addition to Cliff's passion for farming, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and taking trips with Gladys.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gladys Kesler of Monroe; two sons, Jerry (Becky) Kesler of Blanchardville, and Randy (Debbie) Kesler of Monroe; four grandchildren, Chad Kesler (fiancée Angie Keller), Jody (Scott) Flynn, Aaron and Micah Watrud; two great-grandchildren, Karlee and Prestyn; and two step-great-grandchildren, Kiley and Kelsie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Nathan Kesler; and a sister, Florence DeVoe.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Monroe United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Booth officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. A visitation will be held at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, on Friday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be given in Clifford's name to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Monroe United Methodist Church, or the charity of one's choice.

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