RISSER, Herbert Dean 1911-2005

RISSER, GIESE, LAMBERT, ARDREN, CURRENT, SEMELROTH

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 3/30/2014 at 23:45:52

[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Sunday, October 2, 2005]

WATERLOO - Herbert Dean Risser, 94, formerly of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, died September 3, 2005, at Sunnyside Nursing Home, Sarasota, Fla.

He was born Jan. 6, 1911, in North English, son of Grace Giese Risser and Herbert Spenser Risser. He married Marjorie Lambert Oct. 5, 1935. They enjoyed 61 years together until her death in 1997.

He attended Iowa State University and belonged to the Delta Upsilon fraternity and the honorary music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Risser started work at John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works in the foundry during World War II and continued with the company in the plant engineering department for 31 years. He was a charter member of the John Deere Melodeers Mens Chorus.

An accomplished musician, Dean played saxophone and clarinet professionally with many big bands in the Midwest, in symphony orchestras and the Cedar Saints Dixieland Jazz Band. He was a member of the Musicians Union local 334 and Vice President of the Union in 1948.

He served as president of the Waterloo Optimist Club in 1976. He was a member of the Masonic Order.

Survived by a daughter, Martha Ardren; a son, John Risser; seven grandchildren, Traci Ardren Owens, Nikki Farrell, Joe Ardren and Johnny, Jason, Jeff and David Risser; and three great-grandsons, Kenny Ardren and Morgan and Cyrus Owens.

Preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Current and Helen Semelroth.

Memorial services: were Sept. 7 in Sarasota. Local services will be at 4 p.m. May 6 at St. Timothys United Methodist Church, Cedar Falls. Following the service, a "Tribute to Dean" buffet and dance will be held at the John Deere Waterloo Supervisors Club. All friends and family are welcome. RSVP to Martha Ardren at the address below.

In lieu of flowers, memorials: may be directed to St. Timothys United Methodist Church for the purchase of musical equipment.

Condolences may be sent to Martha Ardren 35303 SW 180th Ave. #412, Florida City, FL 33034 or John Risser 675 Thatcher St., Attleboro, MA 02703.

Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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