Dora Louise Wissler

Dora Louise Wissler 

Dora's life story began on May 5, 1924 when she was born at her Uncle Roy James' farm north of Summerfield, Kansas to Nathan and Noma (Richardson) Curtis.  

Her love of education started at the Barker School District until 8th grade, skipping the 2nd grade altogether. To continue her education, she moved to Pawnee City to live with her aunts, Ora, Nell, and Maude Richardson, to attend high School. She graduated in 1941 at the age of 17. To earn spending money, she worked at the bakery, hotel and cafe, earning a whopping six dollars a day.

On June 10th, 1944 she was married to George William Wissler at the Congregational Church in Seneca, Kansas. When asked what she remembered most about the wedding, she'd laugh and say, "Well, I know the minister had onions for lunch". George and Dora went on to have three children, John Nathan, James Eugene, and Jean Louise. The first years of their marriage were spent living with George's folks on the farm in Nemaha County, Kansas. In 1947, the couple, along with his brother Bob, started farming together west of Pawnee City. 

Dora's teaching career spanned over 35 years. She started in country schools, when a teacher didn't need a college degree, District 1070, District 8 (Dubois), District 28, Greendale, Allison School District (Nemaha County, Kansas) and Barker. She then went on to teach in Burchard, Table Rock and finally Pawnee City. While at Pawnee City, she also did a 9 year stint as Pep Club Sponsor. Dora continued to further her own education by working toward her college degree starting in 1941 and finally graduating in 1972 from Peru State College.  There were a lot of years of night school and summer school to reach her goal. She loved every year and every student she ever taught and had endless fond memories of both.

Dora was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Pawnee City. Over the years, she taught high school Sunday school and Bible school. She was also a member of Rural Neighbors, County Extension Club, and the Pythian Sisters of Dubois, Nebraska (her story of 'riding the goat' to join was hilarious) according to daughter Jean. The most important to her was her lifetime membership in the VFW Auxiliary where she served as president, chaplain and caller through the years. Playing cards was also a big part of her life. She belonged to the Som-R-Set club, State Line, Summit Card Club and the Blecha card club. You could still find her playing pitch at the nursing home whenever there was a game. Dora loved her spoon and windmill collections, embroidery, quilts and people. Dora's earthly story ended on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the age of 94, when passing away at Premier Estates in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, sister Margie Reeder, brother John Curtis, and son, Jim.

Dora leaves her sister Mary (Rex) Reist of Seneca, KS, her son, John Wissler of Pawnee City, NE; daughter Jean (Jim) Coady of McCook, NE, daughter-in-law Deb Wissler of Pawnee City, NE; grandchildren, Heidi (John) Koster, Josh (Tracy) Wissler, Kiel Coady, Keenan (Morgan) Coady, Killian (Taylor) Coady, Ryan Wissler, Jacob Wissler, and Shayla Wissler. 11 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Services 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church/Christian Church.  Officiating Reverend Duane Westing.  Visitation Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City.  Memorials to family choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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