Robert David Kissell, born May 8, 1935, in South Bend, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, to arrive for his next tee time in joining the Lord’s foursome in heaven on Jan. 18, 2017. Robert “The Rock” was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Genevieve Kissell; and his brothers, Jack and Jimmy. He is survived by the love of his life, Bonnie Anne “Whistle for” Kissell, who secured the largest piece of the Rock’s heart for 61 years; his four children and their spouses: David and Susie, Joi and Jim, Mark and Cara, and Jill and Jeff; his beloved grandchildren: Heather, Tyler, Kara, Michael, Michele, Robby, Samantha and Jackie; along with three great-grandchildren: Spencer, Emma and Marli. He is also survived by two of his four siblings, Joanne Kelley and Herb Kissell. The Rock was known by his many friends for his smile, laughter, quick wit and his wonderful storytelling, which seemed to always invite everyone to join in his zest for living each day as an optimist. He was recognized as the Optimist Club Man of the Year in 1962 for his inspiration behind the Optimist Club fundraising campaign by selling Christmas trees, “Buy a Tree, Help a Boy,” which was a successful fundraising program for many years. The lessons he shared with his children included recognizing the endless love that our Lord and Savior bestows upon our souls, the joy of cooking, and the patience to fish for those delicious Tippy bluegills, teaching us his true passion and love of the greatest game ever played. The Rock’s entrepreneur spirit started with Warsaw Home Improvement in 1960 and Kustom Koaters in 1968, and grew with the wonderful people of Warsaw who joined in to help build and support these companies over the years. He served with distinction for the United States Navy and was a 50+ year member of the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. A private memorial service will be held for family. Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials to American Legion Post 253, P.O. Box 131, North Webster, IN 46555. To send condolences in Robert Kissell’s memory, visit www.cremationserviceskc.com.
