Jeanne (Gene) Barber Wilhelm Kesler

Sometimes death is not mourning but a celebration of the life someone lived.

Jeanne was born October 29, 1926 in Centerville, Utah to Owen Leroy Barber and Hattie Bryson Barber. She was the baby sister to Grace, Allen and Ben. Her early years were spent in Bountiful and then the family moved to Ogden. This is where she attended Washington Junior High and was a proud graduate of Ogden High, being one of the remaining classmates of “The Class of 1944”.

She married Robert L. Wilhelm April 12, 1945. They were the parents of Jan, Bobby, Tom and David. Jeanne and Bob later divorced.

Jeanne then married David H. Kesler, August 5, 1972, he passed away May 15, 1997. They enjoyed almost 25 years of seeing the world and the western United States together.

Jeanne had several employments that she enjoyed over the years and made lasting friendships at each. She worked for The Bon Marche, Dr. Wayne Pack, Dr. Lowell Daines, State of Utah Job Service and Handicapped Children’s Services, and her last being Hill Air Force Base.

Her greatest love next to her family was music, especially opera. She had season tickets for many years to the Utah Symphony, the Utah Opera and the Utah Opera in Logan. As a member of the Nelson Eddy Appreciation Society, she attended the gatherings each June back East to celebrate his birthday.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was privileged to be part of the ward and stake choirs.

Jeanne especially enjoyed her years playing pinochle in the same club for over 30 years.

Jeanne loved cats! A kitty was part of her family for almost all of her life. Her love of cats showed on every card and letter she sent which has a cute little kitty sticker attached.

She enjoyed sports and attended a lot of Atlanta Braves games for many years and rooted for them on TV. She also loved The Utah Stars, then Utah Jazz either in the arena or on TV.

She was an avid reader, especially history and a very staunch conservative.

Jeanne is survived by her 4 children Jan (Dennis) Hatch, Bobby (Linda) Wilhelm, Tom (Marlene) Wilhelm, David Wilhelm and stepdaughter Charlotte Kirkwood, 15 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 9 (3 more coming soon) great-great grandchildren and a special niece Gwenn Hutchings.

At Jeanne’s request PLEASE no flowers, but a contribution in her memory to Primary Children’s Hospital or the Utah Opera in Logan.

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Centerville Cemetery at 11 am.

“No regrets, I’ve lived an exceptional life, traveled everywhere I wanted to go, and done everything I’ve wanted to do.”

Arrangements entrusted to Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com