Herbert Lawrence Eli Kestler
Herbert Lawrence Eli Kestler, at the age of 84 passed away surrounded by his family on March 13, 2019.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Kestler, his four children, Tammy Goodman (Canton, MI), Sheri Cunningham and husband Scot (Osgood, IN) Ken Kestler and wife Debbie (Greensburg, IN), Jennifer Thompson and husband Sam ( Fishers, IN), his sister Margery Richardson and husband Carl (Cedar Rapids, IA), 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Herb was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Born on December 30, 1934 in the farmhouse built by his father, he was the son of Elmer and Gertrude (Minneman) Kestler. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Fink’s Corner. He remained an active member throughout his life, teaching Sunday School as well as holding various offices.
He attended school in Napoleon, where his mother (Gertrude Kestler) was a teacher, graduating in 1953. He went on to Purdue University graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.
At his mother’s urging, he taught school for one year at Fountain City, Indiana. During this time he met soon to be wife, Carolyn (Bossert). They were united in marriage on June 6, 1959 at her home church, St. Peter’s U.C.C. at Klemme’s Corner.
The young couple lived for five years in Connersville, where Herb worked as a sales rep for Virginia Carolina Chemical Corporation. In 1964 they moved to Columbia City where Herb worked in a lab for Indiana Farm Bureau testing chemicals. After five years, he was transferred to the main plant in Indianapolis. Four days after moving the family, he received a request from the Board of Directors to come work at The Napoleon State Bank.
Herb was CEO at the bank for twenty years. Under his direction, the bank enjoyed tremendous growth and outgrew their old facility. With Herb’s guidance, they planned and opened a beautiful new facility. During this time, Herb served on the Bankers Association Board of Directors, as President of the Southeastern Indiana Banker’s Association, as President of Ripley County Banker’s Association, and on the board of Margaret Mary Hospital. Herb played an integral part in the formation of the Napoleon Rural Water Corporation serving on the board as well as President.
After retiring from the bank, Herb held several part-time jobs including selling real estate and serving as a mail carrier. Throughout his life he always found time to devote to his passions of golf, reading, rooting for his beloved Purdue Boilermakers and his family.
Memorials maybe given in Herb’s memory to the church, in care of the funeral home.
