Ira Dale Kiser

Ira Dale Kiser died on Thursday, Dec. 18, from complications due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm at the age of nearly 76. He was born on Jan. 30, 1939, in Charlevoix, Michigan, the first son of Dale Lawrence Kiser and Charlotte Mae Kiser (Reeves). Dale was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Gretchen (Toothacker), for 52 years. Dale graduated from Ferris State University in 1961 in the top of his class with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy and practiced pharmacy to put himself through dental school at the University of Michigan. He ran a successful family dentistry practice in Oconto Falls for 25 years. Dale was an honest, rational and intelligent person who loved his wife and family and was dedicated to his profession. In his younger years, he played varsity baseball and enjoyed outdoor activities such as golfing, camping with his family, hunting with his sons and trout fishing. He was a sensitive man; after experiencing several deaths in his family he decided to forgo killing and stopped hunting and fishing to take up wood carving of waterfowl and other birds in his retirement in the northwoods of Wisconsin. He generously gave his time to help others and lived his life embodying the values of independence and self-reliance. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, brother, Dave, and sister, Becky (O’Connor), and his son, Jeffery Allen Kiser. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; two loving sons, Patrick Franklin (Molli) Kiser, Chicago, Illinois, and Scott Ethan (Julie) Kiser, Park Falls; and two special granddaughters, Emily and Andrea, also of Park Falls. His best friend, Tags (Brittany spaniel), will forever miss his big buddy. The family is grateful for Bill and Peggy Kokko’s support through a hard time and the ICU staff at Aurora Baycare Hospital in Green Bay, including Dr. Cynthia Geocaris, Dr. Matis Morkevicius, all the nurses (especially Amy S.), RTs and support staff. They not only cared for Dale, but also showed such compassion and kindness to Gretchen. Dale did not like funerals; therefore, his family will honor his wishes. Condolences can be left at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/Dale-Kiser/.