John Craig Kessler, age 54, passed away unexpectedly due to an undetermined health condition on Friday, December 19, 2025, at his home in St. George, Washington County, Utah. He was born August 2, 1971, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Mary Harvey Kessler and Craig Ralph Kessler.

Early Life

John spent his earliest years in Michigan near Fowlerville and Ludington, where childhood days on a small farm—chasing pigs, watching the cow and calf, playing with the dogs, and following his father with a toy mower—helped shape a lifelong love of work and simple pleasures. In 1975–76 the family moved to Orem, Utah, and in 1977 they settled in Highland, Utah, on an acre that became a lively home for chickens, turkeys, rabbits, goats, dogs, a pony, and a garden. It was there that John learned the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.

A shy but determined boy, John once resisted joining Cub Scouts because he feared he could not memorize the Scout Oath and Law. With his mother’s encouragement and his faith, he learned them, grew in confidence, and ultimately earned his Eagle Scout. A family trip to Church and American historical sites sparked his early love of storytelling and performance when he stepped in as an impromptu guide at Joseph Smith’s birthplace—an early sign of the actor he would become.

Education, Mission, and Early Career

John attended American Fork Junior and Senior High, where he developed his musical and dramatic talents in choir and drama. In 1988 the family moved to St. George, Utah, and John attended his senior year at Dixie High School, where he continued to form lifelong friendships and expand his talents. After high school he served a mission in Paraguay, returning with renewed purpose and a deepened faith.

He briefly managed the family business, Sunrise Family Video, before returning to St. George in 1992 and beginning a long career with Wittwer Hospitality. He earned an Associate in Business Management from Dixie State College in 1994 and continued studies through BYU Online. At the time of his passing he served as General Manager at the Hampton Inn and Suites at Sun River. Under his management, the hotel was highly rated—a witness to his leadership and his ability to create an atmosphere of respect, unity, and generosity among all members of the hotel family.

Family and Personal Life

John married Kristina Richan in 1993; they welcomed daughters Miriah and Julianna and shared a love of performing together, even launching a business to train children and youth in singing and acting. Though that marriage later ended, John remained a devoted and involved father.

He later married Valerie Butler and brought five stepchildren into his life, who still affectionately call him “Papa John.”

In 2022 John married Lisa Borino; they were sealed in the Cedar City Utah Temple. Lisa is the love of John’s life. With this union, John gained three more stepchildren, truly fulfilling a blessing he received in his youth that he would be “a father to many.” John treasured his family. With Lisa, he found his soulmate, his match, and his true life partner. He often expressed the peace and joy he experienced in their relationship—an eternal treasure.

Community, Arts, and Service

John was a pillar of the Southern Utah arts community. A lifelong performer and mentor, he was widely known for his work with St. George Musical Theatre and the Dickens Festival, where he wore many hats—director, mentor, and a memorable Scrooge among them—and for his performances at Tuacahn, including roles in Saturday’s Warrior and the role of Elder Kestler in Star Child. He served on the St. George Arts Commission, helping foster the city’s cultural growth, and was a Sunshiner with the St. George Chamber of Commerce. John spent a lifetime bringing stories to life and helping others find their voices on stage.

John was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities, including teacher, missionary, bishopric counselor, and Temple Ordinance Worker. At the time of his passing he was an Early Morning Seminary teacher for the students at the St. George Arts Academy; this calling fulfilled a desire he had since returning from his mission, expanded his influence, and gave him the opportunity to share his witness and testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Character and Legacy

John was a man of faith, creativity, and steady service. He heard with his heart, loved deeply, and gave generously of his time and talents to family, friends, co-workers, and his community. Whether mentoring other performers, managing a busy hotel, taking his final bow onstage, or sharing scriptures with family and youth, John approached life with humility, humor, and a servant’s heart. Our community has lost a giant; John Kessler has taken his final bow, and his legacy of kindness, artistry, and devotion will endure.

John is survived by his wife, Lisa Kessler; his former spouses, Kristina Harding and Valerie Richards; and ten children: Miriah Kessler of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Julianna Kessler Wright (Chandler) of Orem, Utah; and stepchildren—Craig Butler (Elizabeth) of Pleasant View, Utah; Sydney Butler Newby (Chandler) of Lehi, Utah; Patrick Butler (Myia) of West Haven, Utah; Lacey Butler Fitt (Andrew) of Saratoga Springs, Utah; Coral Butler of Lehi, Utah; and Joseph, Carriellen, and Taylor Mower of St. George. He also leaves behind his parents, Craig and Mary Kessler of St. George; his siblings, Carrie Heaton and Mori Kessler of St. George, and Jennifer McLaws (Mark) of Pelham, New Hampshire. In addition, mourning him are seven grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his in-laws, Dick and Noreen Borino of Washington, Utah.

All will miss his warmth and humor.

Those who wish to honor John’s memory are invited to remember him by supporting the arts, mentoring others, and sharing the gospel.

John Craig Kessler will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.