George Kestel

December 22, 1958 - December 27, 2018

George Kestel, age 60, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 30, 2018 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. all at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s School Foundation, 312 Seneca St. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588; or to Genesis Development, 1607 North Lake Ave. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. George Kestel, the son of Robert and Henrietta (Janning) Kestel, was born on December 22, 1958 in Storm Lake, Iowa. George was a member St. Joseph Catholic Church in Schaller until 1982 when he moved to Storm Lake with his parents, Robert and Henrietta. At this time, he joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. He grew up on the family farm and loved being outside feeding and chasing the chickens and taking care of Midnight, his black cat. George attended the special education program at Storm Lake Community Schools. Following completion, he enjoyed his work at the Red Barn, later Genesis Development and then attended the Discovery Program at Genesis Development. He was a gentle, fun-loving person and had many friends in the community. George loved teasing and being teased by his friends, dances—especially wedding dances, outings with the Discovery Program participants and staff, holiday family gatherings, and spending time with his former housemates at the Maywood group home to name a few. George taught us many life lessons. He showed us his love for Jesus and attended Mass with Mom and Dad, how to love and accept each person as unique and special, the importance of family and friends, and how to laugh with others and at ourselves. George will be missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him. George is survived by his brother, Jeff (Jane) Kestel; his sister, Sr. Annette Kestel, PBVM; nieces, Jill Kestel; Megan (Justin) Van Beek; and nephew, Alec (Sierra) Kestel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henrietta and Robert Kestel.