Obituary - Ward M. Wissel, 90

Ward M. Wissel, 90, of Eads, Colorado died January 19, 2004 at the Weisbrod Memorial Hospital in Eads.

He was born on September 16, 1913 in Roca, Nebraska, the son of Henry and Viola (Martin) Wissel. He received his education at schools in Hickman, Nebraska. At the age of 17 his family relocated to a farm south of Galatea, Colorado.

In April 1934 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado. He left the CCC in October 1935 and returned to the family farm, which now was in the Prairie Queen Community, where he started farming. Ward and Ruth 0. Buck were married on April 26, 1936 at the United Brethren Church in Eads. They had three children, Raymond, Betty and Glenn. They made their home in the Prairie Queen Community, farming and raising cattle. In August 1964, Ward and Ruth bought a home at in Eads, where he resided until his death. He farmed in the Prairie Queen Community until 1993, when, at the age of 80, he retired from farming.

His interests were golf, bowling and elk hunting in the fall, until health forced him to cease these activities. He also enjoyed being with his family.

He was a member of I.O.O.F. Eads Lodge No. 177 and Kiowa Rebekah Lodge No. 85. He held many local and state offices in these organizations. He was also a member of the Kiowa County Farm Bureau, National Farmers Union, National Impala Association, Eads Co-op, and the United Methodist Church. He was superintendent of the livestock exhibits at the Kiowa County fair for many years.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Betty; son, Glenn; and brother, Paul. His wife Ruth of the family home survives him. Ruth and Ward were married for more than 67 years. He is also survived by son Raymond and wife Shirley of Rock Springs, Wyoming; four grandchildren - Connie Koritnik, Scott Wissel, Brenda (Joe) Kruljac, and Melissa (Jason) Sherman, all of Rock Springs, Wyoming; 8 great grandchildren; 3 foster great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; 3 brothers - Burrel (Ruby), Keith, and Duane, all of Eads; brother and sister-in-law Amis and Evelyn Buck of Niland, California; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Ward M. Wissel were held on Friday January 23, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Eads. Rev. Sam Jones officiated. Philomene Liesen and Betty Crow provided the piano and organ music, Sylvia Weeks and Mary Eikner sang "In the Garden" and "It Is No Secret". Serving as casket bearers were: Kip Peck, Terry Eder, Tim Weeks, Harvey Kelley, Raymond Crow and Marty Barnett. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery, and then the family returned to a meal prepared by the Rebekah Lodge of Eads. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church. Visitation and funeral services were under the direction of the Brown Funeral Home.