DONALD RAY GISLER; VICTORIA, 72, passed away June 23, 2013, after a galant fight with Lymphoooooma Cancer for the  pst 25 years.  He was born August 5, 1940, in Cuero to the late Leon F. and Gladys Fuchs Gisler, longtime ranches and farmers in Misson Valley. Donald was lifelong resident of Mission Valley, where he chose to raise his family.  At the time of his death, he was at home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. 

Donald went to Mission Valley School, graduated from Victoria High School in 1959 and attended Victoria College. He was a life member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and after retiring, he and his wife, Pat, enjoyed trips to Alaska, Canada, Utah, Vegas and many other travels, with family and firends.

In retirement, Donald's great love was for his farm in Mission Valey, which he referred to as "God's Country".  Donald loved spending time with family and friends and loved attending his grandchildren's school, sporting and stock show events.  He loved being an active part of their lives.  Through the many difficult years of battling cancer Don's faith and zest for life remained constant.  Through those years Pat was his constant companion, caregiver and champion, accompanying him on hundreds of Houston trips and hospital stays.

Donald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann Finn Gisler; a son, Darin D'Wayane G isler his wife, Kim, and grandsons, Logan Ray and Mason Patrick Gisler, a daughter, Monica Lynn Gisler Huddleston and husband James, and granddaughters, Katie Lynn and Abby Nicole Huddleston, all of Mission Valley.  He is also survied by two brothers, Robert Gisler and wife Joy, David Gisler and wife, Shirley, one nephew, three nieces and his aunt Marylene Tagliabue.  In additioin to his parents he was preceded in death by  his nephews, Timothy Ray Gisler and Mark David Gisler.

Visitation: Rosewood Funeral Chapels, Wednesday, June 26th, 2013;              5 - 7 PM       Rosary to follow @ 7:00 PM

Funeral Mass to be held 2 PM Thursday, June 27th, 2013 from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  Burial to follow at Mission Valley Cemetery.

Pallbears: Fred Kloesel, Thomas Kurtz, Weyman Reimann, Thomas Steubing, Leland Schroeter, Mike Ahlstrom, Max Cornelius and Charles Innocenti.  Honorary pall bearers: his grandchildren, Robert Schoebel, Albert Carisalez, Ken Knief, Debra Parsons, Curtis Pantel, and Dr. Noble Malik.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the many physicians and nurses who helped care for Don; Dr. Jorge Romaguera of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Hassan Sabbaugh, Dr. Kheim Vu and Hopsice of South Texas for his end of life care.

Memorials may be made to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or Hospice of south Texas. 

Words of comfort by be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfunderalchapel.com

submitted by Joye Oliver Tripson (6-26-13)