Cathy Kessler, 78, passed away peacefully in the arms of her loving husband, Ray Kessler on July 2, 2026, in the quietness of the home she and Ray built.

Funeral Services for Cathy will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman. Deacon Lenny Fischer will officiate with burial to follow on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 1:30pm in the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. There will be a Family and Friends service on Monday July 6, 2026, at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 7:00 pm.   Visitation for Cathy will be on Monday, July 6, 2026 starting at noon.  

Cathy was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on November 7, 1947, to Stanley and Marjorie (Fischer) Orcutt, the oldest of seven children. Herfamily moved west to Bowman ND when Cathy was a young child and there Cathy was raised and graduated from Bowman High School. At a young age, Cathy experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother. With remarkable strength and selflessness, Cathy stepped in to help care for her younger siblings for nearly a year, demonstrating the resilience and sense of responsibility that would define her throughout her life.

Known by many as a friendly face and trusted friend, Cathy began bartending as a young woman and quickly became a beloved part of the Bowman Community. Her passion for people and gift for making everyone feel welcome led her to work at and eventually own and operated her own bar. Her bartending experience spanned a career of nearly 40 years. Through countless conversations, celebrations, and friendships, Cathy created more than a business—she created a gathering place where everyone felt at home.

She had one son, Shawn Orcutt. Cathy married Steve Arnold and later divorced. On March 15, 1991, Cathy married the love of her life, Ray Kessler. Together, they built a life centered on love, loyalty, and the simple joys of home. Cathy was a devoted wife, whose greatest happiness came from caring for those she loved.

Outside of work, Cathy found joy in tending her garden and sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. She was especially proud of her homemade salsa, which became a favorite among those lucky enough to enjoy it. Whether visiting around a campfire, working in her garden, or welcoming someone through her door, Cathy had a way of making people feel valued and cared for.

Cathy will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious laugh, unwavering work ethic, and devotion to family. She touched the live of countless people over the years, and her absence will be deeply felt throughout the Bowman community.

Though she is no longer with us, the memories she created, the friendships she cherished, and the love she shared will live on the hearts of all who knew her.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Ray Kessler of Bowman, a daughter, her son Shawn Orcutt of Bowman, stepdaughter, Amber McCutchen of Phoenix, AZ, her sisters Marybeth (Kelly) Schumacher of Scranton, Teresa (Joe) Portom of Mandan, Cheryl Tollsen of Bowman and a brother, Donald “Donnie” (Marla) of Glen Ullin. In laws, Kathy Orcutt, Jim (Cindi) Kessler, Margaret (Howard) Nelson, Bud Obrigewitch, Connie Kessler, Ray Huschka and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with her family, she leaves many dear friends, and a community forever grateful to have known her.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; sister Barb Smith, brotherGary Orcutt, sisters in law; Nora Huschka, Cecilia Obrigewitch, brothers-in-law; Charles Kessler, Richard Smith.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to spend time with loved ones, enjoy the outdoors, plant something beautiful, or share a jar of homemade salsa in her honor.

Ray extends his heartfelt thanks to the medical and human resources staff who over the past two years, have offered your care and compassion which means more than words can express.