Donald Ray Gisler

Donald Ray Gisler, 72, of Victoria passed away June 23, 2013, after a gallant fight with Lymphoma Cancer for the past 25 years. He was born August 5, 1940, in Cuero to the late Leon F. and Gladys Fuchs Gisler, longtime ranchers and farmers in Mission Valley. Donald was a lifelong resident of Mission Valley where he chose to raise his family. At the time of his death he was at home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Donald went to Mission Valley School, graduated from Victoria High School in 1959 and attended Victoria College. He was a life member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and after retiring he and his wife, Pat, enjoyed trips to Alaska, Canada, Utah, Vegas and many other travels, with family and friends.

In retirement Donald’s great love was for his farm in Mission Valley which he referred to as “God’s Country. Donald loved spending time with family and friends and loved attending his grandchildren’s school, sporting and stock show events. He loved being an active part of their lives. Through the many difficult years of battling cancer Don’s faith and zest for life remained constant. Through those years Pat was his constant companion, caregiver and champion, accompanying him on hundreds of Houston trips and hospital stays.

Donald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann Finn Gisler; a son, Darin D’Wayne Gisler his wife, Kim, and grandsons, Logan Ray and Mason Patrick Gisler; a daughter, Monica Lynn Gisler Huddleston and husband, James, and granddaughters, Katie Lynn and Abby Nicole Huddleston, all of Mission Valley. He is also survived by two brothers, Robert Gisler and wife, Joy, David Gisler and wife, Shirley, one nephew, three nieces and his aunt, Marylene Tagliabue. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his nephews, Timothy Ray Gisler and Mark David Gisler.

The family will receive friends at Rosewood Funeral Chapels Wednesday, June 26, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at 2 pm Thursday, June 27, 2013, from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mission Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Fred Kloesel, Thomas Kurtz, Weyman Reimann, Thomas Steubing, Leland Schroeter, Mike Ahlstrom, Max Cornelius and Charles Innocenti. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Robert Schobel, Albert Carrisalez, Ken Knief, Debra Parsons, Curtis Pantel and Dr. Noble Malik.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the many physicians and nurses who helped care for Don, Dr. Jorge Romaguera of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Hassan Sabbaugh, Dr. Kheim Vu and Hospice of South Texas for his end of life care.

Memorials may be made to the, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or Hospice of South Texas.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.