Walter Kissel

The life of WALTER KISSEL 90 will be celebrated Friday February 10 2006 at 10:00am at St. Mary?s Episcopal Church 216 Orange Avenue Daytona Beach Florida. There will be visitation Thursday February 9 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm in the chapel at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach. Soon after being born in New York City June 21 1915 to Ukrainian immigrant parents Walter his two older sisters Olga and Mary and his parents returned to Europe. However his sisters having begun their schooling in New York longed for an urbane ?American? lifestyle over that of the country in the village of Seperov. Upon returning to New York Walter entered the first grade at almost nine years of age with English as a second language. However he was a quick study; and in spite of the economic challenges of the Great Depression was able to graduate from high school with distinction. He continued with college and work. IN 1942 he left his position at Republic Aviation to service in the Army Air Corps. Being assigned to ?G-2? intelligence he ended his military service as a Russian language translator at the 38th parallel in Korea as the Red Army was advancing toward Japan. He often described his position as requiring more diplomacy than translation providing a buffer between the competing agendas and attitudes of the Russian and US officers to maintain our ?alliance?. Having developed a fondness for Florida while stationed there during WWII he moved to Miami with his parents in 1946. While working for Florida Power & Light Co Walter met ?the most beautiful girl I?d ever seen?. She Marilyn Jean Deitz and he were married in 1947. By 1951 their children Nicholas Genie and Paul were born. Concurrently with work and family he attended the University of Miami obtained both bachelor and master degrees in education enabling him to commence a 25 year career as an elementary school teacher retiring in 1980. Marilyn entered the same profession in 1960. During a few summers and on a part-time basis for several years he worked as a camp counselor and at Sears. Walter took great pride in his work but it did not define him. Being raised in the rich tradition of Russian Orthodox Church music and studying the piano from his early years his passion was studying composing and directing church music which he did from 1960 to 2003. At that time he and Marilyn moved to Ormond Beach to be near their daughter Genie and son-in-law Bill who were ever attentive and helpful. Their new wonderful neighbors at Break Away Trails were a source of great joy for both Walter and Marilyn. Marilyn succumbed to cancer July 4 2005. Walter continued in good physical health and spirits happily awaiting his reunion with her which occurred peacefully on January 31 2006. He showed his children how to live a meaningful positive fun-filled life with a sense of humor calm and confidence that came from his wisdom and faith developed over the years. His wife and children always knew his love and received his limitless unconditional moral support and encouragement. His children are happy for his life and can imagine him with their mother as part of the heavenly chorus. Walter Kissel is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Nicholas and Lynda Kissel Scottsdale; daughter Genie and Bill Rehrmann Ormond Beach; son Paul and Marjorie Kissel San Diego; granddaughters Kimberly Sallquist Kristen Gunnarson Lisa Rehrmann Jessica Kissel Karly Kissel; grandson Jeffrey Rehrmann; and great grandson Nicholas Sallquist. The family expresses their gratitude to the staff of Sterling Alterra House who provided loving care to Walter during these past few months. Memorial donations may be made to the Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church 5801 Grant Street Hollywood Florida. 33021. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.