Gerold M. "Max" Kissling

Gerold M. "Max" Kissling of rural Bucyrus passed away Friday, November 13, 2009, at 2:07a.m. at his residence.

Max was born on June 18, 1933, in Bucyrus, Ohio to Harold F. and Eunice M. (Hillyard) Kissling, both of whom are deceased. He married Velma J. (Wilson) Kissling on August 2, 1953, in Bucyrus, and she survives.

Surviving Max are a son Gerold M. "Jerry" (Bonnie) Kissling, Jr. of Maple Rapids, Michigan, and five daughters: Deborah J. (Roger) Ransom of Lykens, Ohio; Cheryl A.(Steve) Laplander of Perrinton, Michigan; Kay (Roy) Kresge of St. Johns, Michigan; Karen L. (Jerry) Keranen of Calumet, Michigan; and Kathy S. (Tim) Stenson of Bucyrus. 24 grandchildren, Laura, Kirk, Tricia, Kevin, Erin, Ryan (Heather), Jared (Carol), Derek (Laura), Karissa, Caleb, Jonathan, Jacob, Jessica, Seth, Alyssa, Preston, Kyle, Kurt, Kendra, Kristi, Nathan, Rachel, Sarah, and Mark, and 2 great grandchildren, Garret and Savanna.

Also surviving Max are three sisters: Janelle Wilson of Bucyrus, Ohio; Juanita Storrer of Archbold, Ohio; and Joan Carmen of Hollywood, Florida.

Max was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harold Kissling Jr., and three sisters, Joyce Hartrum Presler, Judy Presler, and Ramona Fulton.

Gerold was a 2nd generation farmer and worked for 30 years in the maintenance department at the Timken Co. In addition he also drove bus for 12 years and was a Tod Township Trustee for 6 years. He was a 1951 graduate from Mt. Zion High School and served his country in the US Army.

Max was a 37 year member of the Wayside Chapel in Bucyrus where he served at one time as a deacon and usher.

He was a member of the American Legion Post in Bucyrus. His hobbies included playing cards, especially 500 rum, euchre, and yahtzee. Mr. Kissling was active through Timken with various sporting events in his younger years. Max was a very devoted family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and especially the Lord.

Funeral services for Max will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Wayside Chapel in Bucyrus, Ohio with the Rev. Timothy Compton and Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating the services. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus with Military Graveside rites to
be conducted.

Visitations will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 from 4pm -8pm at Wayside Chapel and one hour prior to service time on Tuesday also at Wayside Chapel in Bucyrus.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gideon's or to the Home Care Matters in care of Lucas-Batton Funeral Home PO Box 98 Nevada, Ohio 44849.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.