JOHN T. Age 85, died on Friday, April 20, 2012 after suffering several strokes. He was born August 7, 1926 in Des Moines, IA, of the union of John E. and Marie Dufur Risse. John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Alice Risse; his daughter Karen Lynn and husband Jeffrey of Memphis, TN; one sister, Rosalie Cramer of Minneapolis, MN; three sisters-in-law, Helen Risse of Sioux Falls, SD, Marian Thompson and husband Kenneth of Roswell, NM, Nancy Donnelly and husband Richard of Kansas City, MO; one brother-in-law, Porter Kimmel and wife Kay of Rio Rancho, NM; and 15 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were two sisters, Mary Dietsch and Elizabeth Dierx; one brother, Robert Risse; and one brother-in-law, Edgar Kimmel. John was a born electrical and mechanical engineer and worked for Sandia National Laboratories. He, and the companies that he worked for, held several patents that were the result of his innovation and creativity. He built his own motor home. John graduated from Iowa State University and was a Navy veteran. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be the care of his first wife for 9 1/2 years as a quadriplegic from polio. His proudest moment, though, was when he witnessed his daughter's graduation from Duke University with a Master's Degree in Environmental Management. John was a loving husband and father. He believed wholeheartedly in the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He will be profoundly missed. A Memorial Service will take place at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd., N.E. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in his name to the National Parks Foundation. www.nationalparks.org (1201 Eye St., NW, STE 550B, Washington, DC 20005). Please visit our online guest book for John at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
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