A. J. Kissling

A San Antonio resident his whole life, A.J. was born July 2, 1922. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1939 and from St. Mary's University B.S. in Commerce in 1943. It was at St. Mary's where he met his life-long love, Dorothy Ingle. In 1943, A.J. was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas until he was transferred to 124th Cavalry Regiment. He then was transferred to 751st Field Artillery. A.J. fought in the Battle of the Bulge; he served in the European Theatre of Operations until his discharge in 1946. After WWII, he returned home to marry Dorothy at St. Michael's Catholic Church. And he returned to St. Mary's University where he attended Law School. A.J. was called back into active duty during the Korean War, commissioned 1st Lt. - USAF in 1950 and was stationed at Lackland AFB. After the Korean War, he served in the office of the AF Auditor General which later became AF Audit Agency at Lackland, Kelly and Randolph Air Force Bases. A.J. continued his military career in the Air Force Reserve and graduated from the Air War College in 1971. He retired from the Air Force Reserves in 1978 with the rank of Lt. Col - USAF, having served his country proudly for 45 years.

A.J. was a Public Accountant, registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountants. His dedication to his profession and his country was evidenced by his 28-year career in the Accounting and Finance Department of Kelly AFB. Being a shrewd businessman, he supported his family of 9 and was able to give generously to his church and many charities. He retired in January 1988.

A.J. was a member of Alhambra de Bejar, Caravan #56 where he produced the newsletter for 10 years. He was also a member of the San Antonio Liederkranz, acting as treasurer for 10 years. A.J. was a member and past president of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Benevolent Association and was a member of the St. Bernadette's Holy Family Guild. He was also a member of the St. Mary's University Alumni Association and the St. Mary's University Heritage Club.

He was a 40-year parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Lecturer and Commentator. A.J. was previously a member of the original St. Michael's Church and a parishioner of St. Cecilia's Church for 18 years. One of A.J.'s fondest memories was serving as Eucharist Minister for the San Antonio Papal Mass in 1987. With artful skill, he managed to shake the hand of Pope John Paul II as the Holy Father was leaving Kelly Air Force Base the next day.

A.J. enjoyed many years of retirement in good health, taking photographs, playing golf, and tending to his African violets and other plants and flowers. But mostly, he enjoyed being with his family, and could be caught cheating during a cutthroat game of croquet every year on his birthday. He was dearly loved and will truly be missed.

A.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Armand Kissling, Jr., his brother, Gerald W. Kissling, Sr. and his grandson, Adam C. Webre.

A.J. leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, and daughters, Janet, Carol, Laurie, Kathy, Tracy, Amy and Ellen and grandchildren, Conor, Adriane, Courtney, Ian, Lane, Aaron, Zoë, Cait, Jackson and Emma and his great-granddaughter, Marion.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Wilford Hall Medical Center, Oncology Department and Vista Care of San Antonio.