Joseph M. Gisler

March 19, 1917- July 25, 2016

Our Everyday Hero!

ILWACO — On March 19,1917, Joseph Martin Gisler was born to Martin and Elsa Gisler, Swiss immigrants, in Ilwaco. He died July 25, 2016, in Astoria. His birth might never have occurred if fate had not stepped in. Martin tried to board the Titanic on its fateful voyage in April 1912, but it was overbooked. He was turned away. One year after the sinking of the Titanic in April 1913, Martin stepped on American soil.

Grateful for the gift from his parents to live out his American Dream, Joseph lived a full life to the ripe age of 99 years young. Martin and Elsa raised Joseph and his sister, Martha on the Long Beach Peninsula. As a young child, he lived in Long Beach, the China Hill Loop 4, ending his final childhood years in a home at the 101 Junction.

In Joseph’s early adult years, he worked for Barby Packing Co., and on the seining grounds on the Columbia, until he was drafted into World War II, Joseph proudly served as a master sergeant in the Army, serving part of his four years in the Pacific.

He married the love of his life, Natalie Barbara Peterson at the beginning of the war. They shared 65 years of marriage until her death in 2007. Together they survived The Great Depression and WWII, building a home in Seaview, Wash., where they raised their four children: Norman, Joan, Verla and Sally. In 1981 they suffered the great loss of their son Norman at sea and Norman’s son Michael in a home fire a few years later.

Joseph today is survived by his three daughters, Joan Tolby of Kelso, and Verla Rayburn and Sally Wright, both residing in Long Beach, Wash. Many generations will continue his legacy: Norman’s two children: Tracy and Amanda with one great-grandchild; Joan’s six children: Jim, Jeff, Julie, John, Baron and Grace with three great-grandchildren, Verla’s daughter: Stephanie, and Sally’s two children: Josie and Cody.

Joseph, more fondly called “Joe,” was a lifelong resident of the Long Beach Peninsula and the oldest living alumnus of Ilwaco High School, graduating in 1935. Joe became a self-made successful building contractor. He went to work for Kirkmand & Strand Construction for 10 years, striking out in 1952 to become an independent contractor, until retiring in 1964. Gisler Construction built many homes and businesses on the Peninsula. He was proud to build the St. Mary’s Catholic Church rectory and restore McGowan Catholic Church. Joe will be remembered for his quality work and work ethic. During the construction of Sid’s Supermarket, Joe was severely burned, but the Lord had more living in store for him. Three months in the hospital and Joe moved on to live 46 more fruitful years.

Joseph and Natalie spent many years as snowbirds and traveling. Along the way they gained many friends, many of whom preceded them in death. Joseph loved to play cards with friends and family — anytime. He was a master of the deck.

In his younger adult life, Joe enjoyed to hunt and fish. When he no longer was able, he turned his passion to smoking and canning oysters and fish to share with those he loved. He loved to garden and watch things grow. Mostly Joe will be remembered for his love of God, country and family. He leaves a legacy of a life well-lived. Joe was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaview, where he was baptized.

He was a man of service. He served his community through volunteerism and as a city councilman. He served his country in the Army and proudly advocated for all veterans. He was a lifetime member of VFW #3721 and the Elks-BPOE #1937.

As for his family, his grandson John expressed it best (paraphrased): “This man did not have to teach us any of these things, because he lived them. Period. Thank you Joseph Gisler for showing us how to live. May we aspire to become half the man you were.”

Joe leaves a large void in the lives of those left behind. What the world lost, heaven gained. His life honors all that is good in the world. His glory days are here. He is reunited with loved-ones and friends who preceded him. May there be warm hugs, smoked fish and oysters, cribbage and pinochle, and cow and fish kisses in Heaven. May those left on Earth honor his life by continuing his legacy.

“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa

A service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaview with a reception to follow.

“Godspeed to you, Dad and Grandpa!”

The family requests those wishing to honor Joseph’s life donate to a charity of their choice.