Fred Kessler, a former state legislator and judge who dedicated his life to public service, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84 following a recent battle with cancer. Kessler’s remarkable career spanned decades, marked by a commitment to making the world a better place through policy, advocacy, and a deep sense of justice.
As his daughter, Liza Kessler, reflected on his legacy, she summed up his life philosophy perfectly: “The idea of trying to leave the world a better place than you found it was core to his identity.” She went on to explain that her father was deeply motivated by the desire to help those who were less able to help themselves, and he believed in the power of public service to create a more equitable and just society.
Fred Kessler’s career and life were driven by a commitment to justice, civil liberties, education, and human rights. He dedicated much of his professional life to public service, and his impact on the state of Wisconsin and its residents is profound.
A Lifetime of Service: From State Legislator to Judge
Fred Kessler’s political journey began in 1961, when he was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he would go on to serve for 24 years. Kessler was well-known for his focus on progressive causes, including education reform, fair housing, LGBTQ rights, and redistricting.
Key Legislative Contributions
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Education Advocacy: One of Kessler’s most significant achievements came in 1979, when he collaborated with Milwaukee School Board member Leon Todd to create three language immersion elementary schools in the city, a testament to his commitment to equitable education for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
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Civil Liberties & Fair Housing: Throughout his time in office, Kessler championed legislation aimed at promoting civil liberties and fair housing practices. His commitment to personal privacy, freedom of speech, and LGBTQ rights was evident in his years of advocacy on these issues.
Kessler’s deep belief in social justice and his determination to fight for those without a voice made him an effective lawmaker. He was not only focused on passing laws but also on making a tangible difference in people’s lives. His efforts toward equity and justice would leave a lasting mark on the state and its communities.
Return to Public Life: A Lasting Legacy of Advocacy
Though Kessler stepped away from public office in the early 1990s to serve as a judge, his passion for policy reform and justice never waned. He returned to the State Assembly in 2004, where he continued to advocate for progressive policies until his retirement in 2018.
Redistricting: A Passion for Fair Maps
Kessler’s daughter, Liza, reflected that one of her father’s greatest passions was redistricting reform—specifically, the idea of creating fair maps that would allow all people to have a fair shot at representation. For Kessler, gerrymandering was a deep injustice that undermined the democratic process.
“If there was anything that he truly loved to think about in the universe, it was drawing fair maps,” said Liza Kessler. “He wanted to ensure that everyone, no matter their political affiliation, would have a voice.”
Kessler’s work on redistricting was part of his broader vision for a more just society, where policies worked for everyone, and where equality and fairness were paramount.
A Man of Principle: The Core Beliefs of Fred Kessler
Fred Kessler’s commitment to justice wasn’t just reflected in his legislative work. His daughter shared that he had a finely honed sense of right and wrong, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult.
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Negotiation with Integrity: Kessler believed in the power of negotiation and worked across party lines to move the needle forward on issues that mattered to him. However, he was known to be a man of strong principles, someone who would never compromise on his core beliefs of fairness and justice.
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Sense of Injustice: According to Liza Kessler, if her father believed something was unjust, he couldn’t rest until it was addressed. Whether it was an issue of civil rights, economic inequality, or public education, Kessler’s commitment to improving the world remained his guiding force.
Kessler’s legacy is not just one of policies passed, but of the deep moral foundation he built throughout his career. He fought not only for his beliefs but for those who needed the most help—whether they were struggling with economic hardships, discrimination, or inequity.
A Final Farewell: Service and Remembering Fred Kessler
Fred Kessler’s life was one of dedication to the people of Wisconsin, to justice, and to the belief that public service could be a force for good in the world. He passed away after a short battle with cancer, but his influence will live on through the many lives he touched.
A funeral service will be held in his honour at Cross Lutheran Church on November 16 at 11 a.m. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The service will begin with a visitation at 10 a.m., allowing family, friends, and the community to gather and celebrate his life and legacy.
A Lasting Impact: Fred Kessler’s Legacy
Fred Kessler may no longer be with us, but the legacy he leaves behind is one of compassion, integrity, and justice. Whether through his work on public education, civil liberties, or social justice, Fred Kessler remains an exemplary figure of public service. His dedication to fairness and equality has made Wisconsin—and the world—a better place.
His commitment to advocacy for social justice, civil rights, and public education continues to inspire generations of lawmakers, activists, and citizens to work toward a more just and equitable world.
As his daughter stated, Fred Kessler’s core mission was always about leaving the world a better place than he found it. And in this, he truly succeeded.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Redistricting Reform FairVote: Reforming Redistricting
- Wisconsin State Assembly Wisconsin Assembly – Official Website
- Civil Liberties and Social Justice ACLU: Civil Liberties
- Public Education Advocacy NEA: National Education Association
