Alvin Robert “Al” Kissman
July 5th, 1934 - December 16th, 2024
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Al's Obituary
Alvin Robert Kissman (affectionally known as Big Al or Alvin-Doody) was born July 5, 1934, in Bridgman, MI and grew up in New Buffalo, MI. He died peacefully December 16, 2024.
Al graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1954 and entered the construction business, becoming a master brick mason. He was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as well as a life member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union until his death. He proudly served on the New Buffalo Area Schools School Board in the 60s and 70s and worked very hard over the years to get the mileage passed for the new school
He married the love of his life, Nadra Robinson (aka Nadra K). Their 70-year marriage and business partnerships, Orchard Acres and Nadra K Real Estate, were successful on every level. They were extremely proud of their children and each of their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Katha and her husband, the late Samih Farsoun, and stepdaughter Rouwayda; Brian and his wife Simendea (nee Christensen), daughter Ashly and her husband Andrew Smith and their children, Dawson, Evelyn, and Isla and daughter Amanda and her husband, Kyle Neal, and their sons Wells and Oliver; son Dave and his wife Tammie (nee Ponegalek), and their sons Andrew and Aaron; and daughter Karla (and her late former husband Paul Madison) and their children Lena and Jade. Al and Nadra traveled the country and the world because of their children, and they felt incredibly blessed to have had such opportunities. However, their all-time favorite place was the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
Al is survived by his sister Janet Hauch. His parents, Ed and Bertha, his sisters Florence, Marion, and Ruthie, and brothers Gordon and Jerry preceded him in death.
He always said he had a great life with his wonderful family, and he will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The New Buffalo Railroad Museum, PO Box 3, 2024. If not for Al, assisted by Davie Olms and George Slechta, the Museum would literally not have been built 35 years ago.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Sommerfeld Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Home, 15 N Barton St, New Buffalo, MI 49117. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am the same day. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com
Al graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1954 and entered the construction business, becoming a master brick mason. He was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as well as a life member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union until his death. He proudly served on the New Buffalo Area Schools School Board in the 60s and 70s and worked very hard over the years to get the mileage passed for the new school
He married the love of his life, Nadra Robinson (aka Nadra K). Their 70-year marriage and business partnerships, Orchard Acres and Nadra K Real Estate, were successful on every level. They were extremely proud of their children and each of their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Katha and her husband, the late Samih Farsoun, and stepdaughter Rouwayda; Brian and his wife Simendea (nee Christensen), daughter Ashly and her husband Andrew Smith and their children, Dawson, Evelyn, and Isla and daughter Amanda and her husband, Kyle Neal, and their sons Wells and Oliver; son Dave and his wife Tammie (nee Ponegalek), and their sons Andrew and Aaron; and daughter Karla (and her late former husband Paul Madison) and their children Lena and Jade. Al and Nadra traveled the country and the world because of their children, and they felt incredibly blessed to have had such opportunities. However, their all-time favorite place was the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
Al is survived by his sister Janet Hauch. His parents, Ed and Bertha, his sisters Florence, Marion, and Ruthie, and brothers Gordon and Jerry preceded him in death.
He always said he had a great life with his wonderful family, and he will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The New Buffalo Railroad Museum, PO Box 3, 2024. If not for Al, assisted by Davie Olms and George Slechta, the Museum would literally not have been built 35 years ago.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Sommerfeld Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Home, 15 N Barton St, New Buffalo, MI 49117. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am the same day. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com
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