John Frank Kestler

KESTLER, CARTER, BALK

Posted By: Lori Goering (email)
Date: 2/26/2025 at 17:09:52

THE CHARITON HERALD-PATRIOT
Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, February 9, 1939

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD HERE TODAY FOR J. F. KESTLER

Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Dunshee Funeral Home for John Frank Kestler, 57, former Chariton business man. The rites were conducted by the Rev. Clark Crowell, pastor of the First Baptist church in Cedar Falls, a cousin of Mr. Kestler. Burial was in the Chariton cemetery.

Mr. Kestler, who died Tuesday, was born Aug. 21, 1881, the son of Elizabeth Alice Beam and Zachary Taylor Kestler, in Stanberry, Mo. When a child he moved with his parents to Shenandoah, Ia., where he received his education. There he joined the Christian church.

In early manhood he became associated with his father and brother, Roy, in the laundry business at Glenwood, Ia. He married Miss Grace O. Carter at Glenwood, Nov. 3, 1904.

In 1905 the family came to Chariton to engage in the laundry business. Mr. Kestler sold the business in 1936. Here he took an active interest in community affairs and served two full terms as a member of the city council. He filled many offices in the Knights of Pythias lodge and was a trustee of that organization.

Surviving are his widow; four children, Mrs. Edward Balk, Waucoma, Ia.; Dr. Richard L. Kestler, Des Moines; Hal C. Kestler, Woodstock, Ill.; and Elizabeth A. Kestler, at home; his brother, Roy C. Kestler, Humeston; and a grandchild, Patricia Ann Kestler, Des Moines.