Robert Kissel

Robert L. "Bob" Kissel, 80, of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully in his home on March 16, 2014. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Bob was born December 27, 1933, the son of Ervin and Sarah (Rainey) Kissel. He married Maryann Martha Stewart on September 30, 1962 and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage together. Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring in 1974. During his service, he was stationed in France, Japan, England and several U.S. bases. He also served in Thailand and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He loved his country and earned several medals and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After retiring from the military, he worked for and retired from the Decatur Herald & Review after many years in the Circulation Department. Following his retirement from the Herald & Review he drove for a school bus company and for Baldwin Shuttle. He also worked as a security guard and volunteered his time at Central Illinois Christians in Mission. Bob was a faithful member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church for almost 40 years. His faith in Christ sustained him throughout his long illness. Bob loved and was loved by his 4 daughters: Missy (Ray) Batman of Decatur, Debbie (Orson) Hoffman of Maroa, Robin (Michael) Williams of Decatur, and Brenda (Kendall) Heyen of Sidney, IL. Bob loved his grandchildren Amanda Hancock, Megan Vieweg, Jay Batman, Shannon Percoco, Lindsay Batman, BreAnna Hoffman, LeAnn Hoffman, Emily Williams, Brandon Williams, Brittany Williams, and Makenzie Heyen and his great-grandchildren Lexi, Teo, Logan, Nico, Weston, Dominick, Andrew, Ashlyn, Ava, Bently, and Brooklyn. Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, watching the Illini, and especially loved large family gatherings. Surviving are his wife, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his only brother Donald (Joyce) Kissel of Flintstone, GA, several nieces and nephews, and Zowie, the stray cat who adopted him over 10 years ago. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Emma Bork Stewart, and his sister-in-law Janet Kissel. "
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