Rose was born in Chicago, but Leroy had come to the US from Poland with his mother and siblings in 1899 when he was about 12.
Morris Kessler (1868-1925) and his wife Beckie Kaufman Kessler (1873-1945), Mark's Great-great-grandparents
Morris was a kosher butcher on Maxwell Street in Chicago and later Morgan Street. His grandson Milt used to work for him after school carrying live chickens down the street to the ritual slaughterer and back. He earned a nickel a week.
Kessler siblings at Leroy & Rose's 60th Anniversary party
Back: Nessie Kessler, Sam Gordon, Sylvia Kessler Gordon, Esther Kessler Kolko, Jean Kessler Arieff
Seated: Anne Kessler Fleishman, Rose Kessler Ruttenberg and Leroy Ruttenberg