Emil Lee Fessler

EMIL FESSLER

JERSEYVILLE - Emil Lee Fessler, 88, died at 5:10 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Jerseyville Manor.

He was born on June 11, 1937, in Alton, Illinois, the son of the late Dewey C. and Opal (Bates) Fessler. Emil graduated with the Class of 1956 from Jersey Community High School and went on to serve his country faithfully with the United States Army.

On August 8, 1959, he married the love of his life, Shirley Sue Fry, at the First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work and devotion, and were blessed with two daughters. In 1987, at just 45 years old, Sue suffered a major stroke. From that day forward, Emil’s vows were lived out not just in word, but in action. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family while also caring for his wife with a steadfast love that never wavered. Their marriage stood as a true testament to commitment and a quiet, enduring example of what it means to remain faithful in every season of life.

Sue preceded him in death on February 21, 2026. After nearly 67 years of marriage, they were separated for only one week. Just one day after laying her to rest, Emil followed her home. For nearly seven decades they had walked through life together, and in the end, they did not remain apart for long. Those who knew them best find comfort in knowing that the separation was brief, and that the same love that sustained them here now keeps them together in eternity.

Emil was employed as a mold maker with Owens-Illinois Glass Works, a job he took pride in throughout his working years. He was deeply devoted to his family and to his church. He enjoyed landscaping and preparing his garden each spring, finding satisfaction in tending the ground and watching things grow. He also had a special fondness for Massey-Ferguson tractors, appreciating both their craftsmanship and the work they represented.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Ronald Wittman of Jerseyville and Jane and Steven Meuth of Johnston City; four grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle) Wittman and Michael (Dawn) Wittman, all of Jerseyville, and Shantell (Clint) Lodwick and Jordan (Misty) Meuth, all of Marion; seven great-grandchildren, Aiden, Connor, Bennett, Lennox, Everly, Kaeden and Tanner; a sister, Marcella Allen of Carrollton; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Robert Dunham of Highland; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dale L. Fessler; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Beatrice Fry; and brothers and sisters-in-law, John Allen, Kenneth (Mary Lee) Fry, Marvin (Phyllis) Fry and Larry “Hammer” Fry.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville, with Rev. Don Meeks officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, where the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville or to the Jersey Community Hospital Ambulance Association.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunearls.com

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