Paula J. Kesler

Paula June Kesler, age 69, of Champaign, passed away at 4:19am on February 28, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Paula was born on July 21, 1954 at Carle Foundation Hospital, the daughter of Evelyn (West) and Delmar Dale Kesler.

She attended kindergarten at Lottie Switzer, grade school at Hensley School, and was a graduate of Champaign Central High School.

She went on to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. She worked for Collins Radio, Rockwell International, Boeing Aircraft, Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the United States Postal Service for 25 years as an electronic technician.

Some of her hobbies included magic, making chain mail, working with leather, creating dream catchers, photography, astronomy, and science fiction. She loved flying her Citabria (an aerobatic airplane) which she named “Little Dicey”.

She was a very proud member of the Civil Air Patrol for which she flew many missions; some life-saving.

Paula is survived by her mother: Evelyn; one brother: Drew Howard (Barbara) Kesler; two sisters: Carol Nadine (James) Owen and Sharon Irene (Richard) Sanders-Forth; many nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father: Delmar; and one brother: Dale Edward. She is a descendant of Mayflower passenger George Soule.

Graveside services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign. 

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