Kenneth Elwin Wissel

Kenneth E. Wissel passed away September 2, 2023 at St Mary’s Hospital. He was born in Culbertson, NE on November 13, 1934 to Alice (Hedden) and Loyd Wissel. The family moved to Montrose about 1937 in a Model T Ford truck. Growing up he enjoyed riding and breaking horses. He worked on the farm and also for sheep ranchers in the area. Kenneth graduated from Montrose High School in 1953, where went state in wrestling. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and served two years. He was a heavy weapons infantryman at Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington. He received an Honorable Discharge and a Good Conduct Medal. He married Ruth Hood in 1959 and began work as a government trapper. They moved to Collbran in 1960’s. He worked at the Job Corps in Collbran. Mark and Debbie were born there. Ken ranched in Collbran for over 40 years. He raised all kinds of livestock including cows, sheep, horses, mules, goats, etc. He had several bands of sheep and used a pack string of mules to move the sheep camps on Grand Mesa in the summer. He also had a guide and outfitting business while in Collbran. Ken and Ruth divorced He later married Darlene (Phillips) Lenard. Ranching and hunters kept him busy. He later moved to Loma. He is survived by his brother Dareld (Irene) Wissel and family; son Mark, daughter Debbie (Jon) Thomas, two grandsons - Luke (Sierra) Thomas and Josh Thomas, one great grandson, wife Darlene, her children Robin (Kristy) Lenard, Jeralie Lenard, grandchildren - Misty (Nathan ) Hudson, Matt Lenard, Jessica (Brian) Williamson, and 8 great grandchildren He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers - Eugene and Eudean, two sisters Iola and Geraldene and their spouses, step son Barry Lenard, and one step granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers please donate memorial contributions to Colorado Woolgrowers - Colorado Wool Growers Association, PO Box 292, Delta 81416. or Children’s Hospital - childrenscolorado.org

A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Alexander Lake Lodge.