"My son, Spc Peter Maynard, is in the 94th Military Police Co out of Londonderry, NH. Our sons were friends while in Iraq. I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I think of your family everyday and keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Catherine Maynard & Family"
In loving memory of
Aaron Sissel
February 14, 1981 - November 29, 2003
Specialist Aaron James Sissel, 22, of Tipton, Iowa, gave his life on November 29, 2003 while serving his country in Iraq. Aaron was born on February 14, 1981, and was the son of Kirk and JoAllyn McQuillen Sissel. He graduated with the 1999 Tipton High School Class. Aaron was an active student, participating in F.F.A., football and baseball. He was also an avid stock car and NASCAR fan, Michigan Wolverine and Iowa Hawkey fan, and had a great love for bowling. Aaron enlisted with the Iowa National Guard on September 26, 1996. He was currently assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard's 2133rd Transportation Company, headquartered in Centerville, with detachments in Muscatine and Cedar Rapids. Aaron is survived by his mother, Jo Sissel; his father, Kirk Sissel and wife, Cindy; and his sister, Shanna all of Tipton, Iowa; his grandparents, Lyle and Maurine McQuillen of Bennett, Iowa, and George and Peggy Sissel of DeWitt, Iowa; and his great grandmother, Luella Goodale of Mechanicsville, Iowa. He is also survived by his financee', Specialist Kari N. Prellwitz who is formerly of New Hampton, Iowa but is currently serving her country with the Iowa Army National Guard in Iraq. Memorial contributions may be sent ot the Specialist Aaron J. Sissel Memorial Fund, c/o Federal Employee's Credit Union, Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240
Tributes
"Kari, and Sissel Family I recieved the news shortly after arriving back in the States DEC 16. I am so sorry for all of our loss. Aaron was a true friend, and I miss him very much. I see pictures of his smile, and I day dream about the time we spent together on gate security, and at my house, before we were deployed. Aaron will always be with us in those memories. He touched everyone he met, and I thank God and You for him. May God Bless And Keep You. Eternally Greatful Bret Bellis (515)2627044 If you need anything at all!!"
"Hi am Kurt Sales. I wanted to start out by saying sorry for your loss. I am also in the 2133rd, I am home on leave and seen this addres and wanted to write. Aaron was also my roommate. I took it very hard. I have ran many missions with Aaron he was truely a great friend. Spent countless hours on the guard tower talking about life in general and from that i found out just how great Aaron was. He would go out of his way to help anyone out. And that is what you need from a great friend. Sincerely Kurt"
"Dear Sissel Family and Friends, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and heart felt sadness upon the loss of your family member Aaron. He was one of the many brave and dedicated Americans protecting our right to Freedom. I want you to know that his commitment to preserving our Freedom and his selflessness in fighting for his fellow Americans is something that does not go unnoticed. We lost a family member and several close friends on September 11th. Every time I hear of a soldier lost in battle it reminds me of 9/11 and it reinforces the unbeliveable bravery exhibited by people like Aaron. On behalf of a proud and thankful nation and our family we wish to thank you for Aaron's true patriotism as a defender of America's Freedom. Once again I wish to pass along my condolences. I also want you to know that Aaron's efforts were for a just cause and they will never be forgotten. With utmost respect, Rob Kelly Clive, Iowa"
"I'm sorry your son had to make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you and trust that the Lord will help you through your sorrow."
"TO GEORGE & PEGGY SISSEL - - After reading the obituary online of your grandson, Aaron, it confirmed that you folks were his grandparents. We had been discussing whether you were related. We are both retired United Telephone Employees; therefore the connection with your name. We want to send you folks our sympathy and our thoughts are with you. We know this is a very difficult time for your entire family and the right words just don't come from us at this time. Sincerely - - Ronald (Ron) & Joanne(Drees) Dunkerson Panora, IA"
"JO SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS ABOUT ARRON. I FEEL LIKE HE WOULD BE A MEMBER OF MY FAIMLY TO. NED GAVE ME THE NEWS. THINGING ALOT ABOUT YOU AND LETTING YOU KNOW THAT AARON GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ALL US. MARK"
"I know how you guys feel.I have a brother over there.I am sorry about what happened. From Danielle Reimers"
"I never met Aaron however, all of us here are very thankful for what your son stood for. You can be very proud of him as I'm sure you are. Nothing anyone can say will ease your pain and time can only make the hurt easier, but, never easy. Maybe knowing how much his efforts in Iraq are appreciated will help a little. All of your family are in our thoughts and prayers...."
"Kari, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss. I never had the previlage of meeting Aaron but he had to be a GREAT person, because you were sharing your life with him. At a time of great loss in my life(my brother) a good friend told me that God needs great people by his side also. Take comfort in the fact that Aaron is now in heaven and can be by your side in sprit. Again, Kari I am very sorry. Steve"
"Our Deepest Sympathies to all of Aaron's Family especially His Grandparents George & Peggy Sissel. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Bob & Betty Mowry"
"To the family of Aaron Sissel. It was a pleasure and an honor for us being able to babysit for Aaron when he was a wee person. He was such a good little boy. You just know that he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and being a part of all our lives. He is truly a hero. God Bless him and your family."
"My deepest sympathies to you Jo and your family. My prayers, thoughts and love are with you. God Bless Carol"
"Our deepest sympathies to the family of Spc. Aaron J. Sissel. Please take solace that his life was given for the benefit of humanity, to protect our nation's freedoms and security, and to enable other peoples of the world to live with the same freedom and quality of life that we in this country share. God Bless, The family of CPL Jerrod Miller, Co A 109th Medical Battalion (Iowa City), currently deployed to Northern Iraq"
"My deepest sympathy to Aaron's family and his fiancee. My husband is in the 2133rd and served alongside of Aaron. He always said that Aaron was a \Great kid\". God bless you in your time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"I would you to know that my prayers are with you. Aaron will always hold a close place in my heart. I owned an Ice Cream Shop in Tipton and Aaron always came in sometimes alone and we would just talk, other times with friends, and then other times he would come in with his sister. He was always the protective big brother and looked out for her. He was such a loving boy and treated me with such respect. My heart goes out to all of you. I am so proud of Aaron, as he was serving our country. I know God will be with you holding your hand all the way. I will miss you Aaron and that smile of yours. Jan"
"My family sends their condolences to you and your family. Aaron was part of a very important mission in Iraq and he will never be forgotten for what he has done for those who are less able to take care of themselves. Our troops are doing a great job! Aaron will always be part of what our Country strives for and stands for. God Bless, SSG Tom Rockwell Patty (wife) Joshua, Ashlee, Lance (children)"
"My deepest sympathies for you Jo, and for Shanna and Kari. I wish I had the words to express my feelings to you. Having a son so near in age to Aaron really hits home and even though he is not in the military, I just cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. I do want you to know that I am so proud of Aaron and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country. No matter one"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sister and I got to know Aaron when we worked with him at Family Foods. We couldn't think of a nicer guy to work with. Jenny Driscoll Brisker and Kerri Driscoll Fitch"
"My prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of Aaron. I also pray for peace in Iraq and the end to terrorism so our young men and women do not sacrifice their lives in vein. I truly embrace life in America and know that the freedom I treasure for myself and my young sons is possible because of so many brave Americans, like Aaron. My heart goes out to you."
"To the family of Aaron Sissel: We just wanted you to know that we are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Jo Miller Muscatine, Iowa Parents of Spc. John A Miller Jr of the 2133rd TC"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you,your family and Aarons fiancee. Your son will always be a hero to us. The family of SSG James Snyder 2133rd.."
"Even though we have never met, I wanted to send a message of sympathy to your family. My sister lives in the Tipton area and works with Aaron's aunt (my sister is Ginny DeWulf). My son was in Kuwait and returned in May. As a mother, I can imagine the pain you must be going through right now. My heart goes out to you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May each day bring a little more comfort as you continue the love you have for your son through his memories. Sincerely, Barb Bunge Swisher Iowa"
"Our son is serving in the 2133rd out of the Centerville Unit an a mechanic. Our heartfelt sympathy at your loss. We cannot imagine what you must be going through at this time, but wanted you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless."
"I wish to send my deepest sympathies to all of Aarons family and friends. Aaron was truly a great guy. He was always there to talk to and to give a helping hand. Aaron and I have known each other for quite sometime. My only regret is to not have known him better. It seems as if there are sooo many things to say about Aaron, but will it even do him justice? There are no words that can describe Aaron. Just the best guy anyone could know. Tipton will never be the same without him. He will be greatly missed. He is truly a soldier's soldier. You've made our country proud. God Bless you Aaron. Always."
"Jo, one of the worst pains there can be must be the loss of a child. No words can make it go away. I don't know that pain but being the mother of an active duty Marine, I know the fear we all feel when our child is in danger. Aaron and you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Joan"
"My deepest sympathies to all of Aaron's family and friends. My Prayers and thoughts are with you all."
"As I opened up this web site my eyes and heart were filled with tears. I know the anxiety I had when we heard of the attack and yet didn't know if our son was alright or not. I Can't imagine how your family must fill. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to your family. Although I had only meet your son once or twice, but I could tell he was a fine young man with a good family background. Words will not make the hurt go away, but know there are people here for you don't hesitate to drop a line or call if you need to talk. We all need to stand together. Rest assured that Aaron was not only serving his county, but also doing the Lords work and is now sharing a place with the Lord. I am sure it is hard to turn to the God but, faith will get us through things we never though we could. Just a short note about me. I am the Father of SPC Aaron Starkweather who is a member of the 2133rd. I reside in a small town in southeren Indiana but, home will always be Muscatine, Iowa. Once again please don't hesitate to drop me a line."
"My deepest sympathies to your family. Aaron's life and death will be remembered by all those who enjoy the freedom's of our great nation. His service to his country and his ultimate sacrifice will help preserve the lifestyle of a free and independant nation. God Bless America. J. Neil McFarland,MAJ,MS Deputy Chief Pharmacy Services Madigan Army Medical Center Ft. Lewis, Wa. 98433 253-968-4267"
"May the pain that the family is feeling be lessened by knowing that Aaron was a stranger to few, a friend to many, a loving, generous man who is now a *Keeper Of The Stars* Marlin Donna & Family"
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I meet Aaron thru my son at a Iowa Football game he was so fun to be around. He will be greatly missed by his friends. I want you to know how proud we are of his sacrifice for his country. May God bless all of you."
"May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Although I didn't know Aaron, we prayed for all our troops and special prayers went out to our Tipton troops. I have two sons who may choose the military when they are older, and if so - I plan to support them as you supported Aaron. May God bless our fighting men & women and the leaders of our country."
"We want to express to you and your family our sincere sympathy for the loss of your son. Our son is in Iraq also and can't imagine the loss you must feel. We will keep you in our prayers. Our thanks for his service to our country."
"We are originally from Iowa and believe Aaron may be of some relation. We are a military family as I am a 23 year Army veteran. My Uncle and Aunt (Hoot & Soph McQuillen) live in Tipton. Our condolences on the loss of Aaron. We know he served proudly and was doing his duty for his Country. We know first hand the pain of losing a child as we lost a 16 year old daughter. His physical presence has departed but the memories of him and his goodness will last through eternity. God Bless."
"We are very sorry about your son. We send our deepest sympathies out to your family. He is a hero in all our eyes."
"Our thoughts are with you and the rest of your family especially with his fiance in this time of sorrow. My husband also served in Iraq for 9 months and will be returning after the first of the year. My husband and I both are from Cedar Rapids Iowa. Currently stationed at Camp Pendleton. Please know that your son and others gave there lifes for our freedom and for that they are all our hero's and will never be forgotten. We will have our flags and our country service star in half mass and a ribbon flying at our house on base in honor of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, as well as AAron's fiance."
"May God Bless you and your family. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice! I pray your sons loss will not be invain! No words can express what I want to say. I wish I had known him, because he must have been one hell of a man, to have the courage to defend his country. My honest deepest sympathy! God Bless You All!"
"Aaron died defending a country he loved and to rid this world of evil. Not only was he doing the work of the US Army, but he was doing God's work. There will be a place reserved for him in Heaven. There are no words to express your loss. My brother is in the same unit as Aaron, and I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. My thanks goes out to you for raising a son who was willing to give his life so that my family and millions of others may be kept safe. I will be at the funeral on Saturday to pay my respect the only way I can. God bless Aaron Sissel and God bless America."
"I couldn't begin to express my sorrow. My son is serving the 2133rd. Aaron was a very good friend of his in Iraq. Dave has alot of good things to say for Aaron. His thoughts, and ours are with you and your family. The family of SPC David Fry"
"We are terribly sorry for the loss of Aaron. He was in our graduating class in high school and good friend of ours. He will be missed dearly by us and we know by all who knew him. He was a great person that meant a lot to us. He will never be forgotten. We are so proud of him and all of our soldiers who fight for this country."
"So very sorry for your loss. Aaron was a good friend. I am sorry that I am going to miss the funeral, they are sending me back to Iraq on Monday the 8th. Our prayers are with you, be strong. Sincerely, Ted Reed"
"You don't know me, but when I read Aarons' obituary it brought to mind an email I received just a few days ago giving tribute to Aaron and all our men who have given their lives for us all. I hope that you can view the email as I will try to send it to the funeral homes' email address. May God bless your family at this very sad time. Betty Swinford"
"My deepest sympathies to Aaron's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray daily for our troops and their families, I am very thankful for their service for our country. Peace, comfort and love to you. Proud of our American troops - Nelta Roeder"
"our thoughts and prayers are with your family"
"My deepest sympathies to all of Aaron's family. I wanted to let his family know my heart and prayers go out to all. Jo: I know it's been a very long time, but I do remember when you were at Crestview, pregnant with your son. Although I never had the chance to know him I am proud of him and all those like him who offer the greatest sacrifice possible for the rest of us. Take care and may peace be with you."
"Our greatful thanks to you for the work Aaron undertook to serve our country. While we have not met we know and are greatful for the work he did while serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please know how greatful we are for the men and woman that serve our country. These words are so small and meaningless at this time. We pray with you amd all of your family at this. time."
"My deepest sympathies to all of Aaron's family. Even though I did not know Aaron, I was proud of him and proud to be an American, and just wanted to let his family know. My heart and prayers go out to all."
"I send my deepest and hearfelt condolences to the family of Spc Aaron \George\" Sissel.He truly is a hero and was and will continue to be a beautiful light and angel to us all.We love you and love Aaron and You all are in our prayers.""
"On behalf of the Muscatine Journal newsroom, I want to offer our sincere sympathy on the loss of your son. We also offer our thanks for his service and ultimate sacrifice to protect freedom in this world."