Obituaries

Richard “Rick” Eugene Kessinger Sr., age 79, of Kincheloe, Michigan, passed away on October 26, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on July 17, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to John and Antoinette (DiRosario) Kessinger.

Rick was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and graduated from Sault Area High School. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he worked for Pike Distributors and later retired from his life-long career as a corrections officer at Chippewa Correctional Facility.

Rick was a talented musician, singer, and guitar player. His band, “Rick Kessinger and the Nite Life” was well-known and popular, playing locally for many years in places like Big Abe's Bar, The Delmar, The Office Lounge, American Legion, among many others. After teaching his son, Rick Jr., to play guitar, the duo formed “R&R” and entertained regularly in the Rudyard, Michigan, and Kincheloe area. A favorite place to listen to Rick sing and play guitar was in his basement at Rick’s Bar. He leaves behind family and friends who will never forget his voice, his guitar playing, and the good times he created wherever he played.
Rick also enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife, Jo Ann.

Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jo Ann (Gordon) Kessinger; son, Rick (Nikki) Kessinger Jr. of Sanford, North Carolina; daughters, Lori (Tony) McKerchie of Sault Ste. Marie, Kim (Bob) Conlon of Nashville, Tennessee, Ann Marie Kessinger of Sault Ste. Marie, and Donna (Pat) Harder of Ira, Michigan; grandchildren, Rick, Jessica, Calli, Kayleen, Jenna, Ryan, Maia, Jake, Kate, Logan, Mekayle, Adam, Amber, and Kevin; great-grandchildren, Landyn, Carter, Violet, and Eli; and brother, John (Linda) Kessinger of Hephzibah, Georgia.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Antoinette.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.