A century of service: The Kessel family’s legacy on the rails
By EUNICE ARCHILA
Staff Writer
In America’s heartland, where steel rails stretch across vast plains and rolling hills, the Kessel family's legacy is interwoven with the history of BNSF Railway and our predecessors.
From Martin Kessel's humble beginnings as a crossing guard in Dickinson, North Dakota, to great- grandson Jeff Kessel’s seasoned tenure as a conductor, each generation has left a lasting mark on our railroad's rich tapestry.
Martin Kessel, born in 1865 in Odessa in the then-Russian empire (now Ukraine), embarked on a journey that would shape his family for generations. In 1903, he immigrated to Dickinson, where he began his career at the Northern Pacific Railway (NP). His son, Paul, followed, joining NP in the 1930s in Glendive, Montana, as a bridge and building department worker.
Paul Kessel’s commitment to the railroad was followed by his three sons: Maurice, a crane operator; Ed, who was in the track department; and Jim, who served as a trainman, switchman, locomotive fireman and then retired as a carman.
As children, Jim Kessel’s sons would visit him at work and enjoy the time they had together. Fast forward 20-plus years, and find his sons, Jeff and Jerry Kessel, working at BNSF.
For conductor Jeff Kessel, each day brings new opportunities to uphold the Kessel family's tradition of hard work and perseverance. Whether braving the bitter cold of winter or the sweltering heat of summer, Jeff Kessel does his job with unwavering determination -- and laughter.
“I like to keep things light,” he said, noting how much he likes working from a train. “There's excitement when you’re on the train and the people you work with are just funny. I’ve been able to see jaw-dropping sunsets, sunrises, hailstorms, beautiful hills, plains and farmland. I’ve spotted fox, white deer and cows. The eagles flying over us are the best. I’ve seen some beautiful aurora borealis. That’s North Dakota.”
Growing up amidst the stories of trains and the tales of their ancestors, Jeff and Jerry Kessel understood from an early age that the railroad is more than just a career — it’s a way of life. Inspired by the stories of their uncle and father, the Kessel brothers embraced the challenges and rewards that came with working on the railroad.
“I didn't fully understand what my dad was doing,” Jerry Kessel said. “I just knew he had to work nights, sleep during the day, and he’d spend the afternoons with us. We knew they were good-paying jobs, and the railroad has a great retirement system. It was a way to make a good living.”
Retired and enjoying the fruits of his labor now, Jerry Kessel began as a trainman and finished his career as a locomotive engineer. What drove him was love of his family and knowing the sacrifices his father, uncles and grandfather made. Their work ethic and commitment inspired him.
One symbol of the family’s enduring legacy is the Kessel locker, a small but significant piece of history that has been passed down. Originally belonging to Jim Kessel, the locker served as a symbol of hard work and dedication throughout his career.
After Jim Kessel, Jerry Kessel inherited the locker. Now, Jeff Kessel finds solace in the familiarity of the locker, which serves as a silent testament to the bonds that unite the Kessel family and the generations of railroaders who came before.
Joseph Jackson, Jerry’s son, worked at BNSF from 2014-2018. Initially hired on as a trainman in Grand Forks, North Dakota, he eventually returned to Mandan, North Dakota, as a switchman and held his last role as a conductor before pursuing a career as a K-9 officer.
When it comes to future generations working on the railroad, Jerry Kessel said: “The railroad isn’t for everyone. It's quite different, but my choice was because I had a job that was secure, with good pay and benefits. It would be great to see that continue within our families.”
To the Kessel family and their century of service to BNSF and our predecessors, thank you for your commitment and dedication.
