Jerry Michael Kisler

Jerry Michael Kisler, 67, died at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at home. Jerry was born October 30, 1946 in Galesburg, the son of Roy B. and Marge (Beard) Kisler.  He attended catholic schools in Galesburg and graduated from St. Bede’s Academy in Peru, IL.  Jerry served in the US Air Force from April 13, 1966 to February 2, 1970 attaining the rank of Sgt. and was stationed in Minot, ND.  While Jerry was in the Air Force he married Christie Bussma on March 23, 1968 in Minot, ND.  After he was discharged he came back to work in the family grocery business.  Jerry worked as a meat cutter at Hi-Lo in Abingdon for 30 years.  He then transferred to the Galesburg Hi-Lo Store where he was store manager until he retired in 2010. Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Christie of Galesburg; one daughter, Valerie (Godard) Kisler-van Reede of Greenville, NC; two sons, Derek (Heather) Kisler of Phoenix, AZ and Patrick (Nicole) Kisler of Galesburg; and two sisters, Constance Steele and Judith Howard both of Galesburg.  Jerry is also survived by eight grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren, Lily and Jake van Reede, Ansley Miller, Taylor Dombrow, Michael Briscolino, James, Antonia, Sal, Sophia, and Gianna Kisler.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Welch and a step grandson, Quinn Dombrow. Jerry was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul Society.  He was a lifetime member of Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381, Abingdon.  He was a member of RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society) the NRA and Galesburg Rifle Club.  Jerry was an avid target shooter.  He loved cars, especially corvettes. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Burial with military rites conducted by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2013 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.  The rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m.  Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy new building fund or St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry.