Walter L. Sisley, Jr. passed peacefully into eternal rest at his home on August 27, 2012. Walter was born on January 2, 1933 in Ravenna, Ohio the beloved son of Walter Eugene and Helen Kathryn (Pittman) Sisley. He was the first baby born in Portage County in 1933.
He grew up in Blackhorse and attended Ravenna Twp. School. During high school he was a football and track star graduating in 1951.
Walter met his wife Bonnie (Miner) at a dance after a basketball game when they were both freshmen; she attending Edinburg High School at the time. They were married on June 22, 1952 and just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They have three children Thomas (Marla) of Ravenna; Kathy at home; and Todd of Ravenna. They also have four grandchildren: Brenton, Jared, Matthew and Katelyn. Walter dearly loved spending time with his family and adored his grandchildren who all have special memories of their “PaPa”.
Walter began his bricklayer apprenticeship following graduation with P. L. Frank Co. He and Bob Moser formed Moser & Sisley, Inc. in 1959 and were partners for many years. Walter was well known in the area as an excellent mason. He and his crew left their mark on many buildings in Portage County. The building he was most proud of was the Ravenna Savings Bank on East Main St. in Ravenna. He called it his monument.
He was an avid hunter and enjoyed over 40 years of deer hunting season in Kane, PA with his many hunting buddies. His greatest joy was preparing for those trips. He made his last trip to Kane in summer 2011 with Harry Bradley and John Languth. He also enjoyed fishing and bear hunting in Canada. Walter and Bonnie had a great time on many trips with family friends Larry and Linda Goodyear; an Alaska Cruise, white water rafting the Grand Canyon at age 68; touring New York and the east coast and their final trip to Yellowstone.
Walter was a lifetime member of the Ravenna Christian Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Usher, Trustee and chairman of the property committee. He was the mason contractor during the construction of the education wing of the church. He was a life member of the Ravenna Elks Lodge 1076 and also a member of the National Rifle Association.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bernice Klohn, and his brother-in-law William Strausser. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Miner) Sisley, his children and grandchildren as well as his brother, James (Beverly) Sisley, his sister Marlene Strausser, and his brother-in-law Fred Klohn. He also leaves many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and his latest faithful dog, Sydney.
Friends will be received Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, with an Elks Service taking place at 7:45 PM. Reverend Wayne Enders will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 AM on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. Memorial contributions may be sent to the First Christian Church of Ravenna, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice, or the Portage Animal Protective League.
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