Raymond C. Wissel

WISSEL, Raymond C., age 90, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, August 8, 2015 at his home. Ray was the son of George and Catherine Wissel. He graduated from Cincinnati Commercial High School. While a teenager he worked as an office boy at Kahn's Meat Co. At seventeen he enlisted in the Army, remembering Pearl Harbor and wanting to serve his country. He was assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, 350th Regiment, Ammunition and Pioneer platoon. Ray embarked from Newport News on a Liberty ship headed for Algeria, where he received training in the dangerous art of explosives. Ray became a minesweeper near Minturno, Italy, clearing the fields so that the front-line would have a safe path to walk the next day. He also packed mules and delivered ammunition to the front-lines. For meritorious service he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, three Battle Stars, and the Croix de Guerre. Kathy Kitts, Ray's daughter, wrote a book about Ray's war experiences called The Minesweeper: A Cincinnati Teenager Serves in Italy During WWII. Following the war Ray returned to Kahn's and attended night school at Xavier University, where he graduated magna-cum-laude with a B.Sc. in Accounting. Ray climbed the Kahn's corporate ladder to become Vice-President of Finance. He retired in 1986 after more than 40 years of service. In retirement he played golf, spoke at veterans' organizations, was active in the Kahn's retiree group and the Southeast Chapter of the 88th Infantry Division. Of all Ray's many accomplishments he was most proud of his military service. Ray is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne R. Wissel (nee Manning) and the late Mary Jean Wissel (nee Niesen). He was the loving father of Kathy (Ralph) Kitts, Carol (Steve) Horn, Mary Wissel M.D., Rita (Steve) Bradley, Bob (Vicki) Wissel and Sue (Bob) Breitenstein. Devoted grandfather of Chris Kitts, Carolyn, Greg Horn, T.J. Bradley, Ashley, Sarah Wissel, Lydia, Maggie Breitenstein and the late Natalie Bradley. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Visitation at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., on Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martin of Tours Church, 3720 St. Martins Pl., on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. www.bjmeyer.com