Lawrence W. Kessler, 72, of Billings, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 4, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and grandchildren. He is survived by his ex-wife Sharon Kessler; three children: Bill (Shelly) Kessler, Stephany (Jr) Sedillos, and Hillary (Adam) Angle; five adventurous grandchildren: Mikhail Renken-Kessler, Corbin and Wyatt Sedillos, and Reagan and Harrison Angle; and three siblings: Ken (Denise), David (Andrea), and Marty.

Lawrence Kessler was born August 13, 1953 in Hammond, Indiana to Samuel and Veronica (Lasko) Kessler. Grandma and grandpa Kauchak were very close family friends who also helped shape Lawrence's childhood. He was a graduate of George Rodgers Clark High School the year of 1971. In high school he played football, was loved by his classmates, and was known to have the nickname 'Larry Bear.' Lawrence Kessler was a graduate from Indiana State University with a bachelors degree in Earth Science and Geology. Following college, Lawrence moved to Montana and proceeded to build his career as a geologist at the oil field and then at the Montana Power Company. He then worked at the City of Billings Water Department where he retired the year of 2017. In retirement he valued attending his grandchildren's sport and school events, being surrounded by his family during birthdays/holidays, and enjoying home cooked meals and appetizers (mac and cheese being his favorite). He was always down for a hot cooked meal!

Lawrence enjoyed looking for unique rocks in Montana with his family and grandchildren. He loved to educate his family, friends, and grandchildren how to identify or classify the varied rocks he found by licking to test for porosity, check grain size, or taste soluble minerals like salt. He also enjoyed driving around in his vehicles and taking in the outdoors around him. In his home he had several windchimes you could always hear when speaking to him on the phone or visiting in person; this will be a sound those in his life will always remember. He was compassionate and always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor or a stranger in need; his loving heart and soul will be dearly missed.

Cremation will take place at Michelotti-Sawyers Funeral Home & Crematory in Billings, MT. Honoring Lawrence's free spirit and wishes, cremation has been arranged, and his ashes will be returned to the mountains in a quiet place close to his heart by his three children. No formal services are scheduled per Lawrence's wish.

2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."