John Bolles Bissell Jr., 64, of Custer, SD died Monday February 18, 2013 at Custer Regional Hospital. He was born September 10th 1948.

As a young man John grew up in Minnesota and attended Hopkins High School. He enjoyed athletics and played ice hockey while attending Bemidji State University.
After college John followed his adventurous spirit and moved to Whitefish Montana where he nurtured a love for backpacking, mountain biking and downhill skiing. It was in Whitefish that John married Gail Sager and fathered two sons, Ryan & Andy. The family lived on Boot Jack Ranch where John tended to the many needs of the property and began his career in woodworking.

John was a skilled carpenter. His business Bissell & Associates specialized in fine woodworking and custom cabinetry. John pursued his work in the woodshop with both zeal and precision. He truly loved his craft.

In 1990 the family moved to Custer SD. Along with his woodworking business John was also involved in many volunteer clubs and organizations. Some of these endeavors included helping spearhead the construction of the George S. Mickleson trail, serving as a city council member, a Lions club member, and lent his time to coach youth soccer and baseball.

He also had a fondness for photography and a joy for travel. His travels were always well documented as was evident in his stunning photos

Survivors include his two sons Ryan of Spearfish, SD and Andy of Asheville, NC., his siblings Jeff Bissell of Jordan, MN, Brooks Regan of Minnetonka, MN, Leslie Hanger of Whitefish, MT, Judy Keane of St. Louis, MO., and one grandchild, Haven John Bissell of Spearfish, SD.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at McColly's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday February 27, 2013 at the Living Outreach church with Pastor Joel Ziolkowski.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.