Mr. Edward D. Risser

Edward D. Risser, 86 of Bluffton passed away at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2014, at Christian Care Retirement Center in Bluffton. Mr. Risser was born on March 13, 1928 in Wells County to Clarence & Lela (Hollon) Risser. A lifelong Wells County resident, he graduated from Petroleum High School in 1946. As a senior, Ed was a member of the only team at Petroleum High School to win the sectionals in basketball. He served his country in the United States Army as a Medic stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952, and was discharged as a Sgt. E-5. He worked as a scheduler and as a Cost Analyst at Franklin Electric for 37 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and the quarter century club at Franklin Electric. Ed adored his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as an avid Chicago Cubs Fan, expert gardener and enjoyed travelling and doing woodworking, especially refinishing old furniture. On October 11, 1953 in Pennville, Ed married Marlene Ireland. They have shared almost 61 years together. Marlene survives in Bluffton along with children; Mark (Deborah) Risser of Seymour, IN, Jane (Scott) Gasser of Muncie and three grandchildren; Jeff (Natalie) Gasser of Noblesville, IN, Joe Gasser of Carmel, IN and Magdalena “Maggie” Risser of Seymour, IN. He is also survived by a sister Velmarose (Herman) McCormick of Bluffton. He was preceded in death by a sister Wilma Jean Gilbert and two brothers William Paul Risser and Kent Leon Risser. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 on Friday, August 29, 2014, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Bard and Ted Ellis will officiate. Calling Hours will be held from 3 to 8 on Thursday at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton where military honors will be performed by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send condolences to the Risser family at www.thomarich.com.

Mr. Edward D. Risser

March 13, 1928 - August 24, 2014