John Bissell

John Bolles Bissell, Jr., 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  (Minn.) University.

After college John followed his adventurous spirit and moved to Whitefish, Mont., 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 & 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 was also 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 lent his time to coach youth soccer and baseball.

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

John died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at Custer Regional Hospital. He was 64.

He is survived by his 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.

Services were Feb. 27 at Living Outreach Church with Pastor Joel Ziolkowski.

Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.