John J. Riisoe

John J. Riisoe went home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2017. He was 91 years old. John J. was born April 9, 1926 on a farm 6 miles west of Kinsley, to Fritz and Louise Riisoe. He was the second of three children. He attended the county school down the road (Golden Rod District 47), until attending Kinsley High School, from which he graduated in 1943. John J. later served in the Navy from 1944-1946 on a destroyer ship during WWII.

John J. married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Shelley on February 11th, 1945 while home on leave from the Navy. They later made their home on a farm ten miles northwest of Kinsley. There they raised three children- John L Riisoe (wife Jan) of El Reno, OK; Becky Porter (husband Steve) of Fort Myers, FL; Glenn Riisoe (wife Theresa) of Kinsley, KS. They were later blessed with six grandchildren- Johnny (Shauna) and James (Bethany) Riisoe (sons of John and Jan), Brandi (Dustin), Clayton (fiancé Lauren & son Brayden), and Tanner (children of Glenn and Theresa), and Mitchell Porter (son of Becky and Steve). Also four great-grandchildren- Johnny Riisoe (son of Johnny and Shauna Riisoe), Lane, Mason, and Cole Hattrup (sons of Brandi & Dustin Hattrup).

John J. was a lifetime farmer and cattleman. He served on numerous boards and committees, and served two terms as Edwards County Commissioner during the 1970’s. He was a charter member of the Jones-Barnes-Gasser VFW also serving on the honor guard, and a member of the Kinsley Congregational Church.

John J. was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Shelley Jo, wife Marjorie, and sister Eila Mae Clark. He is survived by his sister Julie Ackerman (husband Kenny) of Offerle, KS, and many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (mentioned above).; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25th, with family present from 5-7 p.m. at McKillip Memorial Funeral Home Funeral service will be Saturday, August 26th at 10:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church. Graveside service will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the VFW. All friends are invited.

Memorials may be made to Edwards County Medical Center (to help purchase equipment) or the Kinsley Congregational Church, in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, 623 Marsh Ave., Kinsley, KS.