Ronald "FESS" A. Fessler

Ronald A. “Fess” Fessler Final Obituary

Ronald A. “Fess” Fessler, age 81, a resident of Weeki Wachee, FL, proud multigenerational resident of Naperville, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 18, 1943, in Aurora, IL.

Husband of Barbara Fessler (nee Slater), loving father of Brett (Alexa “Mimi” Wagner) Fessler of Naperville, Dawn Fessler of Mt. Prospect, IL, Amanda Fessler of Naperville, Heather (Andy) Devendorf of Heath, TX and Katie Fessler of Antioch, IL, adored grandfather of Amber (Matt) Freeman, Brett, Jr. (Christina Baker) Fessler, Matthew and Annika Fessler; Brennen (Kristin) Regnier, Michael, Luke and Zack Kyprianidis; Andrew Hochevar and Parker Devendorf; Audrie, Kenzie and Brooklynn Rost, cherished great-grandfather of Liam and Lucy; Kaden, Tucker and Boyd, devoted son of the late Elmer and Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Mann) Fessler, dear brother of James (Judith) Fessler, Kelly (Lauren) Fessler, Terry Fessler, the late Jack (Elaine) Fessler and Linda Fessler (Ted) Cushing, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle and friend of many.

Fess grew up downtown Naperville and spent time at his family’s farm near the corner of Bauer Road and Mill Street. His joy of playing basketball with all his friends at the YMCA continued while he attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and Naperville Community High School.

Fess had a love of fast cars and motorcycles that began early in life and fueled his passion by working at Earnie’s Gas station in downtown Naperville during the 50’s and 60’s. He later moved onto construction as a partner at Naperville Excavating where he worked for over 30 years before retiring. He was involved in building numerous residential developments, roads, golf courses, and subdivisions in the growth of Naperville and surrounding suburbs during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Fess loved his Naperville community and over the years was dedicated to giving back by donating time and resources with many organizations and construction projects. He was proudly involved in the construction of The Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville Safety Town, and Naper Settlement.

A longtime member of The Jefferson Club of Naperville and a member of White Eagle Country Club, Naperville, he enjoyed social events and was the life of every party.

He also loved golfing, hunting, and fishing at his cabin at The Bourne he referred to as “The Farm” in Marseilles, IL.

Since he had already seen quite a bit of the country via his numerous Harley Davidson motorcycles, Fess realized a longtime childhood dream when he became a private pilot. He flew all over the United States and Turks and Caicos in his own planes.

Once retired to Florida, he went from air to sea by captaining his own boat aptly named “Spend-It.” He was happiest when visited by friends and family for cookouts by the pool and card games around the kitchen table.

His legacy is his generous spirit that he shared with his community and everyone who was lucky enough to be in his company. He gave freely to all whether it be a smile, joke, his time or a dollar and never wanted recognition or anything in return. His infectious voice, wicked sense of humor and big presence will be forever missed and cherished.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 18, 11:00 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL 60540.

Interment will follow at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE RECEPTION

All are invited to join the family for some FESS FUN at Empire Burgers & Brew, 48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-9000 Tuesday, 1:00-5:00 PM. Come have a drink, tell a story, have a bite to eat & reminisce.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald Fessler’s memory may be made to: The Naperville Riverwalk Foundation, checks can be made to: Riverwalk Foundation, C/O DHJJ, Arleen Bankemper, 184 Shuman Blvd, Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 420-4108, email: riverwalk@naperville.il.us, https://www.napervilleriverwalkfoundation.org/

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.

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