William “Bill” D. Gissel, 75 of Aledo, Illinois, died Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Mercer Manor, Aledo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial, with Military Honors by the Aledo American Legion Post #121, will be in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, where a rosary will be recited at 4:15 p.m. Memorials may be made to The Gissel family. Condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.
Bill was born on June 14, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to William A. and Genevieve (Permantier) Gissel. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University, received a commission in the United States Navy, and immediately entered flight training. He earned his wings and served as a Naval Aviator, primarily flying H-3s. He served as a member of the Apollo 17 recovery team. Bill and Antoinette “Ann” Bauwens were married on December 27, 1969, in Rock Island, Illinois.
Bill had numerous interests and excelled at many things, too numerous to list. He loved being in nature, whether riding his quad, gardening, yard work, or simply enjoying the outdoors. He was an avid reader, a student of history; his vast expertise of the Civil War era was a culmination of extensive studies and exploration of countless battlefields. He was also a talented builder, spanning woodworking and remodeling, to designing and creating structures.
He had a larger-than-life personality. Bill was always ready with a good story or a joke, but he was always generous and welcoming, ever ready to lend a hand; he never knew a stranger. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and beloved girls (dogs), whether at home, driving around the local area, or traveling, he was always happiest in their company.
Bill is survived by his wife: Ann; children: Will Gissel, Nicholas Gissel, and Sarah and Yon Hafer; two grandchildren: Yvonne and Helen; and siblings: Madeleine Bartsch; Susan and Aldo Bon, and John and Carrie Gissel. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Thaddeus; and sisters: Mary McChesney and Heidi Baker.