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We are very sad to share the news that Mike died last night from COVID. Thanks to Nelson Widell and Mark Sutterley for the update.
Mike attended Christ the King School. He wrote on his profile that he had graduated from Athens State University in 1970 with a degree in business administration. He worked as a salesman for Frostie Enterprises in 1970 and left in 1979 as Executive Vice President. From 1980-2014 he was President and owner of Stewart's Restaurants. In 2014 he became President of Stewart's Product Licensing and Stewart's Rootbeer-branded products.
Mike and Jackie lived on a farm in Lumberton, New Jersey, and had three children: Mickelle, born 1973; Jackie, born 1975; and Michael, born 1977. And they were blessed with six grandchildren. He shared that the high points of his life have been work and his family. Mike will be dearly missed at future July Class of '66 gatherings.
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Vincent Summers
We were not the closest of friends, were we, Mike. But you were always a considerate fellow. Not so long ago as I recall, I contacted you. You were a pretty sharp and very considerate sort of fellow, a person anyone could be proud to say they knew.
The other day, I was told you were stricken with Covid-19 and were on a respirator, and were not expected to live. Could you possibly know how this shocked me and how saddened I was that you were so stricken and had dear loved ones who will be crushed by your passing?
We were asked to pray for you, and I did. But not simply that you might live, but also that you might be resurrected from the dead if you passed. I mean it when I say, I was deeply saddened by the tragedy. I do hope I will be there when you are brought back from the dead.
And I wish the very best for your wife and family, Old Guy. Farewell for now.
Vince
Vicki Meece (Knowles)
Published in Burlington County Times from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2021.
Michael W. Fessler
Lumberton, NJ - Michael W. Fessler, age 71, of Lumberton, NJ formerly of Haddonfield, NJ passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jacqueline (nee Seibert); dedicated father of Mickelle Cabrera (Christopher), Jacqueline Sevening (Greg) and the late Michael Fessler; Cherished grandfather of Mickaelyn Meany (Mason); Saylor and Brielle Cook; Grant, Ireland and Scout Sevening; treasured great grandfather of Carson Meany; Dearest brother of Christine Gallagher (Jack), W. Steven Fessler (Sally), Colleen Corey (Christopher) and Charlene Fessler. Predeceased in death by his parents William and Irene Fessler.
Born in 1949 in Reading, PA, Michael was a dedicated businessman, loyal friend, and lifelong mentor to all with whom he shared time. He graduated from Haddonfield High School in 1966 (NJ), and Athens State College (AL) with a B.S. Degree in Business in 1970. Michael had a long and storied career in the beverage industry. In his early years he held various managerial positions at Frostie Enterprises before purchasing Stewart's Rootbeer. As President, Michael's gargantuan personality and savvy business acumen built Stewart's Rootbeer with his father sage council into a successful National Brand, established countless Stewart's Restaurants across the East Coast, and gave us the Legendary Stewart's Rootbeer enjoyed by all. He was always "In the game". He loved his country and served as an Honorary Commander of the 6th Airlift Squadron "Bully Beef" (USAF) for 3 years.
In his free time, his warm and caring soul never missed an opportunity to have a conversation and develop sincere relationships with his family, his friends, a waiter, or stranger. He was an avid hunter and sharpest of shooters; passionate about the game of golf and even more about the 18 holes of friendly banter and laughter; Master of dining out; and philanthropist to countless of those in need. With his arm lovingly around his son, they raise a glass of scotch with infinite bubbles, and watch over all of us until we meet again.
Services will be held privately on Monday, January 25th, at Christ the King Church, Haddonfield, NJ. The Mass may be viewed at the following link: www.ctkhaddonfield/live-stream.org (12:30pm Mass). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Michael may be made to Children of Amigos de Jesus; 2200 Byberry Road, Hatboro, PA 19040 (www.amigosdejesus.org)
Arrangements by Kain-Murphy Funeral Services of Haddonfield, NJ (856) 429-1945 www.KainMurphy.com
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