Our Ministries
25 Apr

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gilbert James Kissling

February 1, 1931 – April 2, 2017

Gilbert James Kissling, born on Feb. 01, 1931 to John T. and Mary Wrzeciono (Rejona) Kissling, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 02, 2017 at age 86. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Irene Mechler Kissling, sons: John (Roxanne), James (Kim), Michael, Daniel; grandchildren: David, Cameron, Karli, and Gretchen; numerous extended family and friends.

He is predeceased in death by his children: Tom, Mary Carol, Bernard Paul; daughter-in-law Ann Gastinger Kissling; his parents; siblings: Johnny, Carl, Rosemary.

Gilbert graduated from St. Gerard High School in 1949 and attended St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas at Austin. He was a Union Journeyman Plumber; worked for Guarantee Plumbing. In 1974 he became a Business Agent, later on, the Business Manager for the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #142.

In 1992, he became the Administrator for the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and was instrumental in getting legislation passed for Medical Gas Certification and Continuing Ed requirements.

He was elected President of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and traveled to many countries where he fostered improvements in building codes protecting and improving drinking water.

He served the city Zoning Commission and the Plumbing Appeals Board.

Besides his strong Union philosophy, he had a lifelong passion for politics, was active in the local & State Democratic Party and was a delegate to the 1972 and 1980 National Democratic Conventions.

He was so proud of his heritage and enjoyed singing with the San Antonio Liederkranz and was a member of the Polish Arts & Cultural Society; he participated in the First San Antonio Folklife Fesitival, leading sing-alongs in the Polish booth.

He served his parish, St. Gerard’s, as a Eucharistic Minister and was on the Elementary School Board. He accompanied his sons to sports functions, both local and out of town.

First and foremost, he loved his family and was diligent in planning yearly camping vacations which gave him great joy in introducing his family to some of the most spectacular National Parks in the USA. On his bucket list, he had wanted to visit Glacier National Park. He loved having his cabin in Rockport where many happy times were enjoyed by family and friends.

Gilbert loved people and was always one to greet you with his quick wit, warm hug, and easy going personality. He loved having parties with family and friends and having sing-a-longs as part of the menu. After he retired, he would often remark that he would like to volunteer where he could spend time just holding and rocking babies as being “Dad” and “Pee-Paw” brought him great joy.

Services

On April 27th: Visitation at 6 pm, Rosary at 7 pm, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, SAT, TX 78249.
On April 29th: Visitation at 8 am, Mass at 9 am at St. Francis of Assist Catholic Church.

Following Mass, a reception will be held at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave., San Antonio, TX 78213. A covered dish will be most appreciated. Meat entrée provided by family.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the San Antonio Liederkranz, c/o 511 Lookout Dr., SAT, 78226, The National Park Foundation, 1110 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 or the charity of your choice.

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