Erwin Kissling
February 18, 1923 - August 18, 2014
Obituary
Kissling, Erwin “Boob”
OREGON-Erwin “Boob” Kissling, age 91, of Oregon, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Feb. 18, 1923, in Monroe, the son of Erwin and Lydia Kissling. Erwin grew up in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School. He attended UW where he played football, being a proud member of the 1942 team. Erwin then graduated from the UW in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he was stationed in Europe, being injured during the Battle of the Bulge, for which he received a purple heart. Erwin was united in marriage to Rosemary Schultz on Aug. 6, 1955. Prior to coming to Oregon, Erwin taught at Sturgeon Bay and Adams-Friendship, retiring in 1985. During his career in Oregon he also served as Athletic Director and coach of football, basketball and baseball. Erwin was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992. He is survived by his daughters, Kay Kissling of Stoughton and Laura Snow of Little Rock, Ark.; sons, Michael (Elaine) of Stoughton and Daniel (Sara) of Oregon; grandchildren, Christopher and Thomas Snow, Jake and Emma Kissling, and Peter, Matthew and Caroline Kissling; and numerous nieces and nephews. Erwin was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; parents; and sister. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, with Father Tony Schumacher officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in his name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608)835-3515
Events
Visitation
Sat Aug 23, 2014 @ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Service
Sat Aug 23, 2014 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Photos
Memories
TM
Tim McNurlen
Other •
Dear Kissling family, My sympathy to you all at the passing of your father and grandfather. I'm sure that lots of people will be at the celebration of Mr. Kissling's life. I just can't call him anything else. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend. Like many people your Dad taught me Driver's ED when I was a Junior in H.S. He was also the person that suggested that I should be a Quarter Miler on the track team. Because of that suggestion I went out for track my senior year, made it to State and was invited by the track coach at UW-Platteville to come run track. Because of that I went to college. Something I wasn't even planning on until I did well in track. He also announced to my Phy Ed class when I moved to Oregon my Junior year, that I was in a parade as a participant of an Oratorical contest! Imagine my fear when several of the tougher boys turned and looked at me with a look like they were going the beat me up behind the school that night! But they didn't. And I count myself lucky to have been one of the many who were mentored by this great man. I'm very proud to say that part of who I am today is because of Erwin "Boob" Kissling. And there are many others who can say the same thing.--Tim McNurlen Class of 1971 Oregon High School.
LW
Larry and Dawn Wegger
Other •
Condolences to Coach's family. So glad we got to visit with him 4 years ago. Hard to put into words the influence he had on my life but he taught me so much about life that I've always carried with me. Hard work, learn from your mistakes, how to drive and even algebra which he said we would use all our lives I thought was a waste of time but has proven to be helpful to this day. I'm sure he had the same effect on many more. Rest in peace Coach, you will be missed.
Larry (and Dawn) Wegger
MD
Mary DeVaal
Other •
Dan, our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your dad.
Dennis & Mary DeVaal
(Scott Krueger's Mom & Dad)
PM
Peg Martin
Other •
So sorry to hear about Erwin's passing. I only got to know him in his later years through my Mom and Dad, Ed and Creola Zweifel. I would sometimes join the Monticello lunch group as they reminisced about their early years together. I so enjoyed listening to my Dad and Erwin teasing each other - their grins and the gleam in their eyes were priceless. I remember the big hug I got when I brought him some homemade rosettes and brazeli. Such a nice man who will be missed. Peg Martin
JH
Judy Hansen
Other •
On a Personal Note...
When my daughter married Erv & Rosemary’s son Dan I gained two wonderful and beloved friends and they gained an extended family. They were very gracious when I told them it was a package deal, although I don’t think they believed me at the time.
Erv loved to tell a story and he had an endless supply as most people know. He was proud of his heritage and childhood in Monticello often telling stories about his Dad and Mom in the bakery and loved reminiscing about visiting family in Switzerland.
Family came first for Erv. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and lived to watch them compete and participate in their various activities, giving them lots of positive feedback.
His work ethic was passed on to his children and grandchildren, always stressing hard work in academics, sports and life in general. It’s a wonderful tribute to him to have three of his children and his daughter-in-law follow in his foot steps as educators and his sons and daughter-in-law active in coaching.
Although he was no longer able to accompany his sons, grandsons and friends on the annual opening trout season trip, he still enjoyed a day at the casino and weekly card games at the Elks Club until recently.
How fortunate we are that my daughter married a fine man, acquired a second Mom and Dad and made her family honorary Switzers.
SB
Shannon Martinson Byrd
Other •
My deepest sympathy to the Kissling Family. I wanted to write a note, since Saturday I'll be working at the hospital, and not able to pay my respects to Mr. Kissling ("Boob") and you all. I see Father Schumacher will be leading Boob's service at HMC, right next door to my childhood home. A while back, when Boob was in the hospital, I said "hello" and spoke with him. I shared with him about the many times his name came up around our dinner table--wonderful stories from my dad and older brothers. Even though I didn't have him as a student, I knew from those childhood stories; from seeing Boob around town; from seeing him interact with people; and from just talking with him, that Mr. Kissling was quite a special man. Now, after reading about his life, I have even deeper respect for him. As you already know, he touched many lives. His spirit and influence radiated way beyond even those most wonderful accomplishments mentioned in his obituary. He did so much for so many others, now may he rest in peace.
With my deepest sympathy,
Shannon Martinson Byrd, RN