William E. “Willie” Kisler, 80, of Gering, died Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Golden Living in Scottsbluff.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Gering with Pastor Matt Fowler officiating. Casual or Big Red attire is requested. Interment will be in West Lawn Cemetery with military rites by the U. S. Army National Guard. Memorials have been established to the church or to Wounded Warriors Project. Friends may call at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff between 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Tuesday. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.
William was born May 21, 1933 in McGrew, NE to John and Katherine (Borgan) Kisler. He graduated from McGrew High School in 1951 and was Salutatorian of his class. He loved sports, playing basketball, football, track and golf. He was pretty good in the first three but not so much in golf.
He entered the Army September 23, 1953 and served during the Korean Conflict being honorably discharged September 22, 1955. He married JoAnn Richter March 8, 1954 in Bridgeport, NE. Willie worked one year in Minot, ND, two years in McCook and Thirty-Five years at the Star Herald as a graphic artist.
Willie was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge #459, Elks Lodge #1367 and American Legion Post #36. He was a conservative Christian. His interests were his beautiful wife JoAnn, who has been the love of his life and photography.
Survivors include his wife JoAnn; sons Dennis (Judy) Kisler, Westminster, CO and Thomas (Marsha) Kisler of Potter, NE; daughter Lynnette Wilhelm, Scottsbluff, NE; daughter-in-law: Dee Kisler, Beulahville, NC; brothers: Dick (Maggie) Kisler, Rupert, ID, and John (Donna) Kisler, Gering, NE; sisters: Lucille Rahmig, Jacksonville, FL, Alma Kaldar, Seattle, WA, and Delores Burkman, Gering, NE; Grandchildren: Michael Kisler, Daniel Kisler, Michell, Kisler, Brandy Van Patten, Cristal Swain, Cody Kisler, James Wilhelm, Sami Wilhelm, and Andrew Wilhelm, and 7 great grandchildren.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, son Mike, brothers: Vic and Ozzie and sisters: Florine, Betty and Susie.