Ira Dale Bissey

Dale Bissey, 79, of Tuscola, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2005 at his home.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 20th, from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. at Hilligoss-Shrader, 705 S. Main Street in Tuscola. The memorial service will be held Wednesday the 21st at 11 a.m., also at Hilligoss-Shrader.

Mr. Bissey was born in Clay County, Illinois on November 11, 1926 to Henry Roland and Versa Zimmerman Bissey. From 1944 to 1947, Mr. Bissey served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. He attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Mr. Bissey also attended St. Norbert College in West DePere, Wisconsin, Virginia Military Institute, and the University of Michigan. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After receiving his business degree, Mr. Bissey accepted a position at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, where he worked for four years. On September 9, 1956, Mr. Bissey established his own business, Bissey's Sales & Service in Tuscola. For 49 years, the business provided gasoline, tires and vehicle service to citizens of Tuscola, Douglas County, and the surrounding area. In previous years, Mr. Bissey was a member of the Kiwanis Club and served as both Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church.

An outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Bissey took his family on summer vacations throughout the United States and Canada, including a six week trip to Alaska in 1965. Hiking, camping and exploring remote areas were among his greatest pleasures.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, and their four children: Patricia Greaves of San Patricio, New Mexico; Randy Bissey of Houston, Texas; Donna Ralph of Zurich, Switzerland; and Brad Bissey of Denver, Colorado; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Jack Bissey of Florence, Alabama; and five sisters: Eula Skelton of Flora, Illinois; Edith Reinerd of Mexico, Missouri; Audrey Weiler of Clay City, Illinois; Doris Sanders of Quincy, Illinois; and Lola James of Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

Mr. Bissey was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph and George Bissey, and sisters Ruth McHenry and Melba Pittman.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Tuscola Airport Improvement Ltd., P.O. Box 142, Tuscola, IL 61953 or Provena Covenant Hospice Care Program, 1400 West Park Street, Urbana, IL, 61801.