Doris Josephine Kissinger

Doris J. Kissinger, of Niles, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the age of 101.

Her life began January 24, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana, born to Kenneth and Gertrude Deer.  She married Roy T. Kissinger February 14, 1946 in South Bend, Indiana. After fifty-three years of marriage, he preceded her in death August 3, 1999.

Doris retired from Simplicity Pattern Company. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niles, serving in the Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, and choir. She was also a longtime volunteer at the Christian Service Center in Niles. If not doing something for the church or the food pantry, you could find Doris at home cooking anything from fried potatoes to hot dogs for the grandchildren who would come during their school lunch time with their friends. She also made fabulous Sunday dinners for her family. She treasured her grandchildren and was a big part of their lives. From going camping, going to Deer Forest, attending all of their sporting events, and their concerts at school, to helping all of them learn to drive by taking them to a cemetery for practice. The grandkids say if anyone knows their gramma, heaven has definitely gained an angel! Doris will be remembered for her friendly nature and her warm and kind personality. She was always the type of person to help others before worrying about herself.

Doris will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Nancy (Bill) Gillespie; one son, Tom Kissinger; three grandchildren, Kate Gillespie, Joe (Sara) Gillespie, Matt (Jamie) Gillespie; four great grandchildren, Jackson, Grayson, Keagan, Norah; two sisters-in-law, Charlene Deer, Eleanor Landrum; two nieces, Becki Manning, Sharon Syson; and two nephews, Jimmy Deer, Brian Kling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; and her brothers, George Deer, John Deer, Kenneth Deer.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 2:30 p.m. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Doris will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Union Cemetery in Berrien Center.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Doris be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan 49120, or to The Christian Service Center Food Pantry, 322 Clay Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.