Erhard Rudolf Kessler, "Rudy", 91 passed away Thursday, November 11,2021.  He was born in Niedersedlitz, Germany, a suburb of Dresden Germany in 1930.  His parents immigrated to America by Ellis Island on the ship "Columbus" where they became naturalized US citizens.  They started their new journey in St. Louis, MO where Rudy grew up in North County.  He attended and graduated from River View Gardens High School and worked several jobs until he purchased and managed a bowling alley in Spanish Lake called the "Maple Bowl".  In 1950 he wed Dorothy Ruth Strehlman and together they raised three sons.  In 1965, he moved his family to Springfield and opened the well-known restaurant, "The Flaming Pit".  Over the years Rudy was employed with Pepsi Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken both of Springfield.  During and after retiring Rudy pursued his passion for fishing the Greater Ozark Lakes, Canada and Florida.  He was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max Erhard and Anna Fanny Kessler and his wife, Dorothy Ruth Kessler.

Rudy is survived by his sons, Bruce Kessler; Gary Kessler and wife, Karon; and Dr. Daniel Kessler and Jo Kelly; three grandchildren that he loved dearly, Allison Kessler, Emily Arnold and husband, Andrew, and Nicholas Kessler.  A special mention to his longtime friend, Ada Sawyer.

The family would like to express thanks and appreciation to Nurse Tracy, 6B at Mercy Hospital for her loving care of Rudy in his final days.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 6-8:00 PM at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. No services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Greenways, PO Box 50733, Springfield, MO 65805.