Gordon Edward Kissman

Gordon Edward Kissman, 72, of New Buffalo, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, and joined the Lord, on Friday, June 18, 2010. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.Gordon was born on January 26, 1938 in Bridgman, MI to Edward and Bertha (Markwart) Kissman. He graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1956. On Sept. 26, 1959 in New Buffalo, MI at the First United Methodist Church he married Marlene Jane Grayson. He was a general contractor working in commercial construction – owning his own business, Construction Advisors Associates of Portage, IN. Gordon loved to golf and bowl. He was a master carpenter and a weekend farmer. Gordon was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Buffalo; former member of the New Buffalo City Volunteer Fire Dept.; member Masonic Lodge of Three Oaks; Shriner's of Grand Rapids; Explorer Scout Leader; member Pottawattomie Country Club; and a New Buffalo Savings Bank Board of Director. His greatest joy was being with his family, especially his grandchildren. Gordon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.He is survived by his wife of over 50 years – Marlene; his children – Becky (Tom) Umphrey, Karen (Mike) Lord, Krindy Kissman and Kevin (Susan) Kissman all of New Buffalo; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brothers – Alvin (Nadra) Kissman of Lakeside, MI and Jerry Kissman of Lansing, MI; sisters – Florence Montealegre of Virginia, Marion Quantrell of Lansing, MI, Ruth (Jim) Dole of Grand Rapids, MI, and Janet Hauch of Ft. Worth, TX; and many nephews and nieces. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents-Edward and Bertha, a daughter-Barbara Chinworth, and a grandson-Jason Kissman. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, June 24, 11:00am, at the First United Methodist Church of New Buffalo, with Rev. Brad Bartelmay officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation is on Wednesday from 5:00-8:00pm at the Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com