John Richard Fessler

Petaluma CA – John Richard Fessler, 77, died December 12, 2023 at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital of heart failure.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Geralyn Mila Fessler; daughter Regina Rhine (James) of Ukiah, CA; son Jack (Saumya) of Petaluma; granddaughters Madeline and Emmelia Rhine of Ukiah; sister Carolyn Williams (Paul) of New Albany IN; brother Francis X Fessler Jr (Julie) of St Charles MO; and nieces and nephews Lydia, Frances, Charles, Frankie III and Tess.

His Mila family includes sister-in-law Titi Mila (Phil Clifton) of San Bruno; brother-in-law Rusty Mila (Sherri) of Santa Rosa, and nephews and niece Jeffrey, Cassidy and Tessa.

He is also survived by his Godmother and Aunt Joyce Domsitz of Brookville OH, and many Domsitz cousins.

Preceding him in death was a son, Joseph Andrew, and parents, Frank and Edith Fessler, formerly of Goshen IN and Novato CA.

John was born on November 28, 1946 in Dayton OH. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Goshen (IN) High School in 1965, holding a champion time on the GHS swim team for several years. He attended Indiana University where he swam for the IU Water Polo team. Other education came at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn IL, and Northern Illinois University. He retired after 30 years as day custodian/maintenance at Cotati/Rohnert Park Schools and Marin Catholic High School.

John and Geralyn’s home was a source of joy for him as he built much of it. He loved looking out at sunrise over Sonoma Mountain, and sunset along their hillside view of Petaluma. He enjoyed raising Red Angus and was a superior chef and gardener at “FesslerRanch.”

John faithfully attended St James Catholic Church in Petaluma. He and Geralyn enjoyed trips to the family lake home in Michigan and their honeymoon in Molokai.

Arrangements are handled by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, with private interment. Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church; 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA. Reception to follow at St. James Parish Hall.