George Louis Gissell

George Louis Gissell, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

George was born on August 25, 1939, in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of the late Herbert and Gladys (née LaFonteese) Gissell. He grew up in the Racine area and graduated from Horlick High School, Class of 1957. It was there that he met Diane Clausen. They were married in 1960 and shared nearly 60 wonderful years together until Diane's passing on January 22, 2018.

George attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting. He became a Wisconsin Certified Public Accountant on June 1, 1965. George devoted more than 43 years of his professional life as a CPA and partner at Gordon J. Maier & Co. in Racine where he developed many long-time relationships that still exist today. His dedication to the Racine community was evident through his service on numerous civic, nonprofit, and corporate boards. George found his greatest professional satisfaction working with closely held companies, helping them grow and achieve long-term success.

George and Diane lived in Racine until retiring in 2000, when they moved full-time to Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, where the family had owned a cottage for more than 50 years. For over two decades, they also spent their winter months in Tucson, Arizona, where George continued his love of riding his Harley and golfing. He was a charter member of Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed weekly summer rounds with his close group of golf buddies.

Together, George and Diane enjoyed many years of traveling with friends and family. Among their most cherished memories were Harley-Davidson motorcycle trips throughout the United States, Germany, and Mexico.

An artist at heart, George was widely admired for his beautiful stained-glass creations. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved pontoon boat rides on warm summer evenings, spring bass fishing in pursuit of "the big one," and hiking the Door County Nature Preserves and county parks. George could often be found enjoying concerts, art fairs, and traditional fish boils throughout the summer months.

George was adventuresome, witty, and known for his wonderful sense of humor. He had a rare gift for making people feel special, always showing genuine interest in others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

George is survived by his three sons, David, Timothy, and Bradley; his grandchildren, Timothy "TJ", Shannon, Kayla, Christopher and Levi; his 10 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jerome, Thomas, William, and Mark Gissell; his sister-in-law Marilyn Jackson; and his long-time friend, Jackie Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Gissell; his brother, Daniel; and his parents, Herbert and Gladys Gissell.

A celebration of George's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Visitation will start at 9:30am, followed by an 11:00 am service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 7973 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Following the church service, a private family burial will take place at Baileys Harbor Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at Immanuel Lutheran Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 115, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202), The Racine Salvation Army (1901 Washington Ave. Racine, WI 53403-2089), or Feed and Clothe My People of Door County (204 N. 14th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).

Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the Gissell family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of George may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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