James "Woody" W. Kissiar

James Woodrow “Woody” Kissiar, age 79, of St. Peter, Illinois passed away at 8:53 a.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Peter with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Jeff Morrison will be officiating. Memorials may go to Fayette County Second Chance Animal Rescue or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Woody was born on December 31, 1943 in Texas County, Missouri, the son of Ferrell and Stella (Hall) Kissiar. He was an avid cook. He was an owner/operator cross country truck driver.  Woody loved his animals, tailored work shirts and cowboy boots, spending time with his family and friends, and not letting anyone do the dishes. He loved Sundays that consisted of cooking and sitting on the back porch and telling stories.

He is survived by his long haul companion, Judy Thoele of Effingham; daughter, Shawn Schmitz-Granger (husband John) of Edgerton, Wisconsin; brother, Bob Kissiar (wife Deb) of Vandalia; sisters, Shirley McCormick of Beecher City and Zona Newton of Barlow, Kentucky; long haul children, Kim Vollmer, Kendra Clark, Patrick Katz: grandchildren, Hillary Luis, Andrew Eltrevoog, Ashton Granger, Shiloh Granger; long haul grandchildren, Amy Jo Davis, Dakota Castagna, Kirsten Vollmer, Paxton Clark, Holden Clark, and Everly Clark; and great-grandchild, Dominic James King; long haul great grandchildren, Collin Davis, and Bradlee Castagna as well many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferrell and Stella Kissiar; wife, Joyce Kissiar; daughter, Cindy Kissiar; and brothers, Zelman Lee Kissiar and Ferrell Edward Kissiar. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Mennonite community for their friendship and support throughout Woody’s life.

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