William Wissman

William H. Wissman, age 96, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Benedictine – Ave Maria at Callista Court.

He was born on December 1, 1924, in Winona, to William and Julia (Kollas) Wissman, and was a graduate of Winona High School.  Following graduation, Bill honorably served his country with the United States Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion.

Bill was united in marriage with Doris M. Trzebiatowski on July 17, 1948, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and she preceded him in death on April 3, 2012.

He was employed as an agent with Prudential Insurance for 35 years, and in retirement, owned and operated Fifth Street Liquor in Winona with several of his friends.

Bill was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he organized the annual spaghetti dinner for many years, sang with the Funeral Choir, and in honor of the service to his parish, he received the Bishop’s Medal from Bishop Quinn.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered at St. Anne of Winona.

A long-time resident of Goodview, Bill was instrumental in establishing the Goodview Fire Department, the Goodview Park and Recreation Department, and Goodview Youth Baseball.

He will be remembered for his love of golfing, bowling, and being part of various card clubs, especially his Huckly Buck group.  While residing at the Kensington, Bill became the “unofficial” activities director, where he enjoyed arranging various entertainment for the residents.

It is no surprise that Bill had a large circle of friends, and he cherished these many friendships throughout his life.  He always had a positive outlook, and his warm smile and the twinkle in his eye made anyone who met him feel special and welcomed.  He was extremely proud of his family, and he cherished the time that he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Bill is lovingly survived by his children: William (Diane) Wissman, Mary (Tom) Vogel, Patty (Rick) Corey, Dan (Marisin) Wissman, Sue (Charlie) McManus, Nancy (Bill) Schultz, and Jane (Tim) Kosidowski; 17 grandchildren: Adam, Nathan, Angela, Katie, Cassie, Dan, Ryan, Jessica, Alisa, Jacob, Connor, Caolan, Haley, Kalley, Mariah, Nick, and Isaac; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and many friends.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Joe Vogel; and a sister: Eloise Naas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 2 PM on Friday, March 5, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona, where visitation will be held in the Church Commons from 12:30 PM until the time of the Mass.  Those attending will be required to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines.

The Reverend Michael Cronin will officiate.

Bill will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery where the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors.

The family respectfully asks that memorials be directed to Team Vogel PO Box 30063  Winona, MN  55987.

Please visit www.watkowski-mulyck.com to leave online condolences, and when available, to view a video stream of Bill’s Funeral Mass.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.