Leslie Roberta Kesser

Leslie Roberta Kesser

Cedar Rapids

Leslie Roberta Kesser, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed to her heavenly home on May 2, 2023, at Meth-Wick Community. A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum at a future date.

Leslie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and devoted sister. She is survived by her son, Scott Kesser of Commerce City, Colo.; daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Kaiser of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Christian May (Abrianna) of Arlington, Va., and Yvonne May currently based in Southern Pines, N.C.; great-grandson expected soon; sister, Barbara Witt of Culpeper, Va.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; sisters, Geraldine Teske and Shirley Marshall.

Leslie was born on Nov. 5, 1930, in University Park, Iowa, the third daughter of Reverend Benjamin G. and Gertrude (Arnett) Witt. In 1948 she graduated from high school in Fairmont, Minn., and earned a B.A. in English and speech with a minor in education from Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, in 1952. Leslie was united in marriage to Edward Kesser June 20, 1952, in St. Clair, Minn. In addition to being a homemaker, she held various positions outside the home throughout the years including high school teacher, copy editor and Christian education coordinator for First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids of which she was a member since 1962. Leslie finished her career retiring after 20 years with the Cedar Rapids Symphony (Orchestra Iowa) as a grant writer and administrative assistant.

Leslie was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening and volunteered in many capacities at church. She showered much love on her grandchildren, and she and Ed especially cherished their summers with family at their lake house in northern Minnesota. Leslie will be long remembered and greatly missed.

Leslie’s family would like to express appreciation to the many friends who gave her support and showed her kindness. Also, a special thanks to the staff at the Woodlands at Meth-Wick Community and Hospice of Mercy.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Legacy Fund at Meth-Wick Community: 1224 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405; or Hospice of Mercy: 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.