Abe Rissman

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Rissman, Abe age 95, passed away on May 14, 2014 at the Roitenberg Assisted Living Residence in Minneapolis. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Ruth Rissman, and his brother, Mort Berger. Born on July 28, 1918 to Jacob and Ida Rissman in Des Moines, Abe lived most of his life in Des Moines. He graduated from North High School where he played trumpet in the marching band. He earned a B.A. degree from Drake University, supporting himself by working at the downtown Younkers Department Store. This began his 46-year career at Younkers where he rose up the ranks to become Manager of the Merle Hay store. Prior to that, he was in Sioux City for seventeen years, where he became Manager of the Younkers store. With his ever-positive attitude, he always had a kind word for his employees and recognized the importance of building relationships. It wasn't unusual for him to break into song, especially at annual Younkers celebrations where he would steal the show with his musical talent. Abe Rissman enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After completing Officers Training School, he married Des Moines native, Ruth Oppenheim, in Sacramento, California in 1943. Together they lived on several army bases before he was sent to Guam where he played an integral role in supplying the B-29 bombers that were instrumental in bringing the war in the Pacific to an end. He reached the rank of Major before returning to his retail work at Younkers at the war's conclusion. He and Ruth raised four children, Kent, Randy, Garry and Julie. He was active in the Jewish community, serving as President of the Board of Shaare Zion Synagogue in Sioux City, and later serving on the Board of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines. They developed many lasting friendships wherever they lived. To cheer residents of the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center, Abe produced and starred in an annual New Year's musical pageant with Ruth at his side along with other musician friends. He continued this tradition until age 92 when he moved to Edina, Minnesota to live with his eldest son, Kent, and his daughter-in- law, Linda. Abe's greatest joy was spending time with his family. As a devoted father and husband, he often expressed his gratitude and love for his family. Abe and Ruth's four children survive them: Kent Rissman (Linda Hulbert) Edina, Minnesota, Randy Rissman (Barbara Rissman) Woodstock, New York, Garry Rissman, New York City, and Julie Burns, Ellicott City, Maryland. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Adena Rissman (Carey Callies), Lilia Rissman, Josh Rissman (Amy Cohen), Jesse Rissman (Anita Zamora), Dahlia Graham (Bryan Graham) and Anna Burns as well as 4 great-grandsons: Mateo and Joaquin Rissman, Zeke Rissman-Callies and Charles Cohen Rissman. The family wants to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Roitenberg Assisted Living Center, Sholom Home West, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and Park Nicollet Hospice for their care, and our friend, Susan Dingle for her welcomed visits. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Abe's memory can be made to the Ruth Rissman Children's Book Fund, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd., Des Moines, Iowa 50312. Funeral services to be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 924 Polk Blvd. in Des Moines, Iowa at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, May 18. Burial will be at Glendale Jewish Cemetery in Des Moines. Shiva will be held at Roitenberg in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Arrangements by Dunn's Funeral Home, Des Moines.

Published on May 15, 2014