Dick Sisler

Dick Sisler, 75, of Atlantic, formerly of Anita, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2009, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dick Lee Sisler was born November 7, 1933, in Anita, Iowa, the son of Floyd Wayne and Belle (Woodall) Sisler. He was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wiota, Iowa, and attended school in Anita.

He served in the United States Army from 1955 through 1957, when he entered the Army Reserve during the Korean Conflict. He left the Army Reserve in June of 1963.

On April 15, 1972, he married Barbara Ann Richter at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wiota. Following their marriage the couple lived in Wiota for six years. In 1978 they built a home and moved to Anita where they lived until October 1, 2008, when they moved to their present home in Atlantic.

Dick's love of trucking began when he was just fourteen years old. He drove truck for several companies and individuals including Schildberg Construction, his brother-in-law, Harold Greenwalt, American Buildings and Atlantic Bottling Co., where he retired. He also owned and operated his own truck, and for a brief time, he and his brother, Bob, owned the Anita Tavern. Dick loved trucking and to talk about it. He truly enjoyed being employed by Atlantic Bottling Co. and liked to keep up on the changes at the plant and the comings and goings of all the Coke trucks. Even after his retirement, he continued driving truck by hauling grain for John Irlmeier on his farm.

He was a kind and gentle man. He always had a smile on his face and was full of laughter. Dick cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his granddaughter, Preslee. He spent many hours as a taxi driver for Preslee and her friends, chauffeuring them on shopping trips to the city. Dick also looked forward to attending her school and social activities. He enjoyed listening to country music, playing pinochle, watching football, and Cubs baseball. Attending horse races was a usual weekend activity for Dick, Barbara, and granddaughter, Preslee. After retirement, he could often be seen spending time in the Anita Community Center parking lot or at the Anita City Park reading the newspaper and watching community activities.

Dick was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita, Iowa, and the Anita American Legion Post #210.

Dick is survived by his wife, Barbara Sisler of Atlantic, Iowa; his son, Steve (Jolene) Sisler of Anita, Iowa; his daughter, Sara Sisler of Anita, Iowa; his granddaughter, Preslee Sisler of Anita, Iowa; his sisters, Maxine Greenwalt of Massena, Iowa, and Beth (Marion) Egger of McKinney, Texas; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Power of Wiota, Iowa, Larry (Mardell) Richter of Atlantic, Iowa, Roxanna Richter of Beatrice, Nebraska, Ron (Ellen) Richter of Aurora, Colorado, Don (Ruth) Richter of Atlantic, Iowa, Bill Richter of Boone, Iowa, and J.R. (Ruth) Richter of Atlantic, Iowa, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Belle Sisler; his son, Scott E. Sisler in 1993; his parents-in-law, Bernold (Slim) and Mary Richter; his brothers, Billy Sisler in infancy and Bob Sisler; his sister, Norma Holter; and brothers-in-law, Roger Power, Harold Greenwalt, John Holter and Tom Richter; a sister-in-law, Ellen Richter; and nephews, Bill Greenwalt and Carlin Richter.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita, Iowa, with Father Dan Siepker officiating.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. Following the burial the family invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at the Anita Community Center.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2009, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Hockenberry Funeral Home in Anita.

Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.

Hockenberry Funeral Home in Anita, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.