Robert David Kissell

Obituary provided by family

Robert David Kissell born on May 8, 1935 in South Bend, IN passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, to arrive for his next tee time in joining the Lord’s foursome in Heaven on January 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 & Susie, Joi & Jim, Mark & Cara, Jill & Jeff. His beloved grandchildren, Heather, Tyler, Kara, Michael, Michele, Robby, Samantha, and Jackie along with three greatgrandchildren, Spencer, Emma and Marli. Robert is also survived by two of his four siblings Joanne Kelley and Herb Kissell. The Rock known by his many friends for his smile, laugher, quick wit and his wonderful story telling, 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 blue gills.  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 grew with the wonderful people of Warsaw who joined in to help build and support these companies over the years.  Robert 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.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Legion Post 253, P.O. Box 131 North Webster, IN 46555