Obituaries
Obituaries for Bissler & Sons' Funeral Home and Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Mary Charlotte (Zettelman) Greer
Sep 10, 2023
Mary Charlotte Zettelman Greer was born December 2nd, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois and passed away on September 10th, 2023 peacefully at home with her family around her. Mary was the youngest daughter of Elsa Emily Oldberg Zettelman and Henry Joseph Zettelman MD. Mary grew up in Evanston, Illinois and summered with family in Estes Park, Colorado in her formative...
Patricia "Trish" Ann Faist
Sep 9, 2023
Patricia “Trish” Ann Faist, peacefully passed away on September 9, 2023, at Concordia at Sumner in Copley, Ohio, under the loving care of Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice.
Trish was born on January 22, 1948, in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Norma and Clifford Wright. She is survived by her daughters, Leezette (Dave) Littell and Tonya...
Barbara J. (Blanar) Million
Sep 8, 2023
Barbara Joan (Blanar) Million, 77, of Kent, died on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on January 12, 1946 in Barberton, OH to the late John and Verna (Markus) Blanar and was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kent.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded...
Geraldine "Gerry" (Dunch) Orr
Sep 7, 2023
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Geraldine “Gerry” Louise Dunch Orr peacefully passed away surrounded by comfort and care at KentRidge Senior Living in Kent, Ohio.
Gerry was born November 22, 1942 in Maple Heights, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Dr. Lowell P. Orr of Kent; sister Donna Dunch of Rome, Italy; sister-in-law...
Robert Wade Roe Ii
Sep 1, 2023
On Friday, September 1, 2023, local legend, Robert Wade Roe, II, age 75, of Tallmadge, OH, passed away and went on to that big field of dreams in the sky. He passed away peacefully and in his sleep, surrounded by family at his home.
Robert was born August 26, 1948 in Ravenna, OH to Robert and Doris...
Twyla K (Craft) Wise
Aug 31, 2023
Twyla K. (Craft) Wise, age 85, of Kent, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Altercare Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center. Twyla was born June 9, 1938 in Parcoal, West Virginia to the late Daniel Henry Craft and Vera Maxine (Given) Carden. Twyla graduated from Central High in Akron, where she was a cheerleader and voted May Queen. She...
Mary Sparrow
Aug 27, 2023
Mary Sparrow was born in 1935 in Cleveland Ohio. She passed away on August 27, 2023. She was the wife to to late Arthur Sparrow; mother to Diana and Arthur Jr.; grandmother to Keith, Sheila and Gregory; great grandmother to Aaron, Jace and Carter. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to Hope for...
Philip Shilling
Aug 25, 2023
Philip Shilling, age 63, of Kent, OH, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home.
Philip was born November 2, 1959 in Massillon, OH to Donald and Waneta (Williams) Shilling.
He is survived by his mother, Waneta Shilling; brother, Mark Shilling. Â He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Dr. Donald Shilling....
Michael J. Knapp
Aug 25, 2023
Michael J. Knapp, 66, of Ravenna, passed away, in the comfort of his home, on Friday, August 25, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born in Kent on December 21, 1956 to Thomas Knapp and the late Norma (Butcher) Knapp.
Mike was an avid sports fan, except for baseball and golf. He enjoyed motocross...
Judith Suzanne (Sapp) Everett
Aug 25, 2023
Judith S. Everett (nee Sapp), 85, died comfortably and peacefully on August 25, 2023 after succumbing to vascular dementia. Judith “Judy”, born November 12, 1938, was a lifelong resident of Portage County, and a descendant of area pioneers who settled in Kent in the 1800’s. Her great-great grandfather worked at Riddle Co. making carriages, her great grandfather owned a...
Ronald Reed Jr.
Aug 24, 2023
Ronald Reed Jr., 67, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Country Club Rehabilitation Home in Newton Falls. He was born in Ravenna on September 22, 1955 to the late Ronald Sr and Helen Reed. Ronald was a graduate of Ravenna High School and was employed in construction.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting,...
John Paul "Jack" Neuzil
Aug 23, 2023
John Paul “Jack” Neuzil
August 8, 1942 - August 23, 2023
Jack is preceded in death by his brothers Frederick and Robert both of whom died in infancy, his parents George and Lois Neuzil of Grand Island, Nebraska, and by his beloved wife Mary Helen Neuzil (Cooper) of Kent, Ohio.
Jack is survived...
Joseph Robert Raftovich
Aug 22, 2023
After 32 30th birthdays, Joseph Robert Raftovich, of Kent, OH, left this physical plane on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Joseph was born 27 July 1961 in Chester, PA to the late Robert and Rose (Torrieri) Raftovich. 
As a father, friend, and leader, Joseph made an immense impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him....
Derek Scott Damron
Aug 22, 2023
Derek Scott Damron passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at University Hospital’s Cleveland Medical Center, following a brief illness this summer. He was born in Miami, FL on June 4, 1960. He is survived by his mother Dr. Geneva Damron of Kent, OH; wife Amy Damron (Batchelor), whom he celebrated his 9th wedding anniversary with on August 9, 2023;...
Patricia L. (Weschler) Mcmullen
Aug 22, 2023
Patricia L. McMullen, 91, of Streetsboro, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. She was born on November 3, 1931 to the late Raymond and Catherine Weschler and was a 1949 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School.
She was a former member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and loved playing cards. ...
Nancy Sue (Fairbee) Smith
Aug 21, 2023
Nancy Sue (Fairbee) Smith devoted wife, mother, grand- mother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, Monday, August 21, 2023. Nancy was born October 31, 1953 to Millard (Bud) and Irma Fairbee of Garretsville, Ohio. Nancy was born the youngest of seven.
Preceded in death by her grandchild, Cheyenne; brothers, William...
Arthur Sparrow
Aug 21, 2023
Arthur Sparrow was born in 1934 in Calabria, Italy and moved, with his family, to Cleveland, Ohio in 1940. He passed away on August 21, 2023. He was the husband to Mary Sparrow; father to Diana and Arthur Jr.; grandfather to Keith, Sheila and Gregory; great grandfather to Aaron, Jace and Carter. Â Arthur served his country in the Navy...
Dr. Michael C. Malmisur
Aug 16, 2023
Michael C. Malmisur, Ph.D., 89, of Kent, Ohio, passed away on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his family’s love.
Dr. Malmisur was born on March 2, 1934, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late Joseph and Theresa Malmisura. Married to the former Karen Hult, together they cherished over 60 years of marriage.
Dad was...
Gretchen (Vosper) Laflin
Aug 11, 2023
Gretchen Laflin, 90, of Kent, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center. She was born in Woodsfield, OH on January 27, 1933 to the late Harley and Hazel Vosper and was employed as a secretary at Kent State University for 25 years.
She was a longtime member of...
Betty Jane "Betsy" Welser
Aug 10, 2023
Betty Jane “Betsy” Welser, 80, of Kent, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at KentRidge Senior Living. She was born in Little Eagle, PA on January 12, 1943 to the late Carl and Eleanore Guckelberger and was a 1960 graduate of Revere High School. Betty went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Miami University and her master’s...
Mary Charlotte (Zettelman) Greer
Sep 10, 2023
Mary Charlotte Zettelman Greer was born December 2nd, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois and passed away on September 10th, 2023 peacefully at home with her family around her. Mary was the youngest daughter of Elsa Emily Oldberg Zettelman and Henry Joseph Zettelman MD. Mary grew up in Evanston, Illinois and summered with family in Estes Park, Colorado in her formative...
Patricia "Trish" Ann Faist
Sep 9, 2023
Patricia “Trish” Ann Faist, peacefully passed away on September 9, 2023, at Concordia at Sumner in Copley, Ohio, under the loving care of Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice.
Trish was born on January 22, 1948, in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Norma and Clifford Wright. She is survived by her daughters, Leezette (Dave) Littell and Tonya...
Barbara J. (Blanar) Million
Sep 8, 2023
Barbara Joan (Blanar) Million, 77, of Kent, died on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on January 12, 1946 in Barberton, OH to the late John and Verna (Markus) Blanar and was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kent.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded...
Geraldine "Gerry" (Dunch) Orr
Sep 7, 2023
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Geraldine “Gerry” Louise Dunch Orr peacefully passed away surrounded by comfort and care at KentRidge Senior Living in Kent, Ohio.
Gerry was born November 22, 1942 in Maple Heights, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Dr. Lowell P. Orr of Kent; sister Donna Dunch of Rome, Italy; sister-in-law...
Robert Wade Roe Ii
Sep 1, 2023
On Friday, September 1, 2023, local legend, Robert Wade Roe, II, age 75, of Tallmadge, OH, passed away and went on to that big field of dreams in the sky. He passed away peacefully and in his sleep, surrounded by family at his home.
Robert was born August 26, 1948 in Ravenna, OH to Robert and Doris...
Twyla K (Craft) Wise
Aug 31, 2023
Twyla K. (Craft) Wise, age 85, of Kent, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Altercare Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center. Twyla was born June 9, 1938 in Parcoal, West Virginia to the late Daniel Henry Craft and Vera Maxine (Given) Carden. Twyla graduated from Central High in Akron, where she was a cheerleader and voted May Queen. She...
Mary Sparrow
Aug 27, 2023
Mary Sparrow was born in 1935 in Cleveland Ohio. She passed away on August 27, 2023. She was the wife to to late Arthur Sparrow; mother to Diana and Arthur Jr.; grandmother to Keith, Sheila and Gregory; great grandmother to Aaron, Jace and Carter. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to Hope for...
Philip Shilling
Aug 25, 2023
Philip Shilling, age 63, of Kent, OH, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home.
Philip was born November 2, 1959 in Massillon, OH to Donald and Waneta (Williams) Shilling.
He is survived by his mother, Waneta Shilling; brother, Mark Shilling. Â He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Dr. Donald Shilling....
Michael J. Knapp
Aug 25, 2023
Michael J. Knapp, 66, of Ravenna, passed away, in the comfort of his home, on Friday, August 25, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born in Kent on December 21, 1956 to Thomas Knapp and the late Norma (Butcher) Knapp.
Mike was an avid sports fan, except for baseball and golf. He enjoyed motocross...
Judith Suzanne (Sapp) Everett
Aug 25, 2023
Judith S. Everett (nee Sapp), 85, died comfortably and peacefully on August 25, 2023 after succumbing to vascular dementia. Judith “Judy”, born November 12, 1938, was a lifelong resident of Portage County, and a descendant of area pioneers who settled in Kent in the 1800’s. Her great-great grandfather worked at Riddle Co. making carriages, her great grandfather owned a...
Ronald Reed Jr.
Aug 24, 2023
Ronald Reed Jr., 67, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Country Club Rehabilitation Home in Newton Falls. He was born in Ravenna on September 22, 1955 to the late Ronald Sr and Helen Reed. Ronald was a graduate of Ravenna High School and was employed in construction.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting,...
John Paul "Jack" Neuzil
Aug 23, 2023
John Paul “Jack” Neuzil
August 8, 1942 - August 23, 2023
Jack is preceded in death by his brothers Frederick and Robert both of whom died in infancy, his parents George and Lois Neuzil of Grand Island, Nebraska, and by his beloved wife Mary Helen Neuzil (Cooper) of Kent, Ohio.
Jack is survived...
Joseph Robert Raftovich
Aug 22, 2023
After 32 30th birthdays, Joseph Robert Raftovich, of Kent, OH, left this physical plane on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Joseph was born 27 July 1961 in Chester, PA to the late Robert and Rose (Torrieri) Raftovich. 
As a father, friend, and leader, Joseph made an immense impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him....
Derek Scott Damron
Aug 22, 2023
Derek Scott Damron passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at University Hospital’s Cleveland Medical Center, following a brief illness this summer. He was born in Miami, FL on June 4, 1960. He is survived by his mother Dr. Geneva Damron of Kent, OH; wife Amy Damron (Batchelor), whom he celebrated his 9th wedding anniversary with on August 9, 2023;...
Patricia L. (Weschler) Mcmullen
Aug 22, 2023
Patricia L. McMullen, 91, of Streetsboro, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. She was born on November 3, 1931 to the late Raymond and Catherine Weschler and was a 1949 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School.
She was a former member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and loved playing cards. ...
Nancy Sue (Fairbee) Smith
Aug 21, 2023
Nancy Sue (Fairbee) Smith devoted wife, mother, grand- mother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, Monday, August 21, 2023. Nancy was born October 31, 1953 to Millard (Bud) and Irma Fairbee of Garretsville, Ohio. Nancy was born the youngest of seven.
Preceded in death by her grandchild, Cheyenne; brothers, William...
Arthur Sparrow
Aug 21, 2023
Arthur Sparrow was born in 1934 in Calabria, Italy and moved, with his family, to Cleveland, Ohio in 1940. He passed away on August 21, 2023. He was the husband to Mary Sparrow; father to Diana and Arthur Jr.; grandfather to Keith, Sheila and Gregory; great grandfather to Aaron, Jace and Carter. Â Arthur served his country in the Navy...
Dr. Michael C. Malmisur
Aug 16, 2023
Michael C. Malmisur, Ph.D., 89, of Kent, Ohio, passed away on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his family’s love.
Dr. Malmisur was born on March 2, 1934, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late Joseph and Theresa Malmisura. Married to the former Karen Hult, together they cherished over 60 years of marriage.
Dad was...
Gretchen (Vosper) Laflin
Aug 11, 2023
Gretchen Laflin, 90, of Kent, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center. She was born in Woodsfield, OH on January 27, 1933 to the late Harley and Hazel Vosper and was employed as a secretary at Kent State University for 25 years.
She was a longtime member of...
Betty Jane "Betsy" Welser
Aug 10, 2023
Betty Jane “Betsy” Welser, 80, of Kent, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at KentRidge Senior Living. She was born in Little Eagle, PA on January 12, 1943 to the late Carl and Eleanore Guckelberger and was a 1960 graduate of Revere High School. Betty went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Miami University and her master’s...