Wallace John Kissel

Wallace “Wally” John Kissel passed away on December 16, 2024 at The Heights on Huebner in San Antonio, Texas with his wife of nearly 50 years, Rosemary Kissel, by his side. Wally was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 18, 1931, to John Kissel of Lithuania and Anna Irene Kibart of Chicago.

After graduating from high school in Minnesota, he enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and was in Darmstadt, Germany during the Berlin airlift. He was stationed throughout Europe, including Iceland and Tokyo before coming back to the States where he met and married Joan Dorothy Gibbon in 1959 and had 2 daughters, Susan and Gwendolyn shortly thereafter.

They moved around the country while Wally attended Language School and eventually moved to Italy, where Wally served as an Army Intelligence Officer. While his marriage to Joan did not last, Wally spent 20 years in the Army, including time in Vietnam. He also bowled on the Army Bowling Team before retiring from the Army in 1969.

After a few jobs in the private sector, Wally embarked on his 2nd career with the Defense Investigative Service. During this time, he met and married his second wife, Rosemary Haag Chappell, in 1975, who brought with her 2 sons, Brian and Scott. They lived in Maryland before relocating to Texas in 1987.

After his 2nd retirement in 1993, Wally travelled throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe with Rosemary, spending time with family and friends, enjoying good wine and great food.

He is survived by his wife - Rosemary, his children – Susan Sheehan, Brian Chappell and Scott Chappell, his 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson. He was predeceased by his daughter Gwendolyn Kissel.

A memorial service for Wally will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas. After the memorial service, there will be a reception to celebrate Wally’s life at 12:00 PM at Elks Lodge, 353 S Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, Texas.