James Kesting

James Bernard Kesting, 93, died February 4, 2022, after a short illness. He was born on May 20, 1928, son of Bernard G. and Helen (Hirsch) Kesting. He grew up on the East side of Toledo, participating in Sacred Heart parish and school activities, then graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1945.

His skills and interests led him to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1949, spending his long career in the construction business, primarily as an estimator. Also in 1949, James married Joanne Schlageter and their blessed union produced four daughters. Early on James discovered a joy in golfing and in many friendships found in the sport. Besides Ohio, he and Joanne spent time in Florida on the courses there. He also kept up rewarding relationships with school chums, extended family and many friends into his later years.

Throughout his life, James had a strong attachment to the Catholic Church, volunteering in and supporting Gesu and St. Joseph parishes. His faith sustained him through the loss of his wife in 2018, and the earlier losses of daughters Dianne Quinlan and Susan Sfaelos. James is survived by his daughters Karen (Russell) Smith, Dublin, OH, and Mary Jo Kesting Campbell, Sylvania; sons-in-law Peter (Ellen) Quinlan, Roswell, GA, and Doug Sfaelos, Toledo; brother-in-law Edward (Ann) Schlageter, Daly City, CA; 11 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren.

The family would like to thank his faithful caregiver Sue Ann Rogers and the nursing staff on the 6th floor of Flower Hospital for their kind treatment of James in his last days.

Friends may visit the family at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. on Wednesday from 3-7 pm where a Scripture Service will be held at 6:30 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 am in St. Joseph Church, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, Ohio  followed by entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.