John Bolles Bissell Jr.

John Bolles Bissell Jr., 64, of Custer, S.D. died Feb. 18, 2013 at Custer County Hospital. He was born Sept. 10, 1948.

John grew up in Minnesota and attended Hopkins High School. He enjoyed athletics and played ice hockey while attending Bemidji State University.

After college John followed his adventurous spirit and moved to Whitefish where he nurtured a love for backpacking, mountain biking and downhill skiing. It was in Whitefish that John married Gail Sager and fathered two sons, Ryan and Andy. The family lived on Boot Jack Ranch where John tended to the many needs of the property and began his career in woodworking.

John was a skilled carpenter. His business Bissell and Associates specialized in fine woodworking and custom cabinetry. John pursued his work in the woodshop with both zeal and precision. He truly loved his craft.

In 1990, the family moved to Custer, S.D. Along with his woodworking business John also was involved in many volunteer clubs and organizations. Some of these endeavors included helping spearhead the construction of the George S. Mickleson trail, serving as a city council member, a Lions Club member, and lending his time to coach youth soccer and baseball.

He also had a fondness for photography and a joy for travel. His travels were always well documented as was evident in his stunning photos

Survivors include his to sons, Ryan, of Spearfish, S.D., and Andy, of Asheville, N.C.; his siblings, Jeff Bissell, of Jordan, Minn., Brooks Regan, of Minnetonka, Minn., Leslie Hanger, of Whitefish, Judy Keane, of St. Louis, Mo.; and one grandchild, Haven John Bissell, of Spearfish, S.D.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the Living Outreach church with Pastor Joel Ziolkowski.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley’s Chapel in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.