Hudson Falls – Robert E. “Bob” Risser 86, formerly of
Elkhart, passed from his earthly home into eternity on March 15, 2021.
Robert was the son of the late Herbert and Ethel Risser and
was born at home on December 27, 1934.
He attended Wakarusa High School and was a member of Bethel
Missionary Church in Goshen, IN.
On June 27, 1953, he married Phyllis J. Cripe at Yellow
Creek Church of the Brethren. Their surviving children are Bradley Risser
(Lucinda Russell) of Elkhart, Brenda Ummel (Devon Miller) of Nappanee and
Kimberly (Raymond) Petit of Elkhart, IN. Also surviving are six grandchildren,
Phillip (Jenny) Ummel of Nappanee, IN, Tracy Ummel of Chicago, IL, Allison
Risser of Elkhart, IN, Trenton Risser of Elkhart, IN, Nicholas Petit of
Elkhart, IN, and Tricia Petit of Bloomington, IN; three great-grandchildren,
Isaac, Asher and Adalyn Ummel; and two brothers, Donald (Louise) Risser of
Naples, FL, and Edward (Sonja) Risser of South Bend, IN.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents a son-in-law,
Ted Ummel, stepdaughters Pamela Lawhorn and Jennifer Drake and grandson, Devon
Bradly Drake.
Bob
enjoyed bowling in leagues and also golfing, where he won a plaque for getting
a hole in one! He also enjoyed fishing and spending time in Northern Wisconsin
at his parents’ resort. The family spent summer vacations at Risser’s Pine
Shore Resort where they enjoyed boating and eating perch lovingly prepared by
Grandma Ethel Risser. Bob is also remembered for his hearty laughter.
Bob
and Phyllis were married for 27 years before her passing from glioblastoma on
June 19, 1980. He then met Phyllis G. Staton, and they married in Buena Vista,
VA, on October 10, 1981.
Bob
worked as a driver for NIBCO for 35 years as an over the road truck driver and
later in Quality Control. In 1998, he relocated to Glen Falls, where he
continued working at NIBCO until his retirement.
Bob
and Phyllis shared 39 years of marriage before her passing on June 11, 2020. Bob is also survived by Phyllis’ son, Jeffrey
(Missy) Staton and her grandchildren, Craig (Brooke) Lawhorn and Shane Lawhorn
of Buena Vista, VA, Cassandra Drake (Mark Stockwell), Dakota Drake; and grand-daughter, Peyson Drake of Hudson Falls. After
Phyllis’ daughter, Jennifer passed away, Bob and Phyllis lovingly cared for
their grandchildren, Cassandra and Dakota.
When Bob and Phyllis could no longer care for themselves, Cassandra and
Dakota lovingly cared for them until their passing.
While
living in Hudson Falls, Robert and Phyllis attended Hudson Falls Methodist
Church, where Bob was baptized in 2016. They enjoyed the sports and activities
their grandchildren were involved in, especially football. Bob still enjoyed
fishing, even taking his great-granddaughter, Peyson Drake, this past
summer.
As
per Robert’s request, cremation has been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home,
Inc. in Hudson Falls.
Private
family services will take place at a later date and interment will be at Yellow
Creek Cemetery.
The
family wishes memorials be directed to Bethel Missionary Church 63473 County
Road 7, Goshen, Indiana, 4652 or the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 Co
Rd 19, Bristol, IN 46507 IN or in Glen Falls, SPCA of Upstate NY, 588
Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.