Ralph Edward Kissel, age 87, of Evansville, IN, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on June 16, 2025. He was born to the late Adam and Della (Fischer) Kissel on October 17, 1937, in Hornville, IN.

Mr. Kissel was a devoted lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church. He attended Mater Dei High School and graduated from Mechanic Art School in Evansville in 1955. Proudly serving our country in the United States Navy, he married his beloved wife, Martha, on July 13, 1963. Ralph worked at the United States Post Office, initially as a mail carrier and later as a mechanic, retiring at the age of 55 after 25 years of distinguished service. In his leisure time, he indulged in collecting and restoring old cars and model trains. Additionally, he contributed to the community by coaching and officiating baseball games for many years at the Armstrong Recreation Center.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joseph Goedde.

Ralph is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 62 years, Martha (Maidlow) Kissel of Evansville; children, Mike (Kathy) Kissel of Elberfeld, Pat Kissel of Hornville, Steve Kissel of Evansville, and Ann (Tony) Sanders of Claremont, IL; siblings, Janith Goedde of Haubstadt, Helen (Bob) Kiesel of Haubstadt, and Judy (Dick) Fehrenbacher of Evansville; grandchildren, Shelby (Aaron) Hammers, Austin Kissel, Grant Sanders, and MaKindree Sanders; and two great-grandchildren, Tommy and Hudson Hammers.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their care and compassion of Ralph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, officiated by Father Andrew Thomas. Visitation will be observed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., including a recitation of the rosary at 2:30 p.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home with a procession to the church for mass. Military Honors and committal services will follow at St. James Cemetery post-mass. Donations in his memory can be made to the Shriner Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and St. James Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be conveyed at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

Shriner's Hospital for Children
P.O. Box 1, Evansville IN 47701
Tel: 1-812-423-3922
Web: http://www.hadishrine.org

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-213-6584
Web: http://www.stjude.org/memorial

St. James Catholic Church
12300 S 50 W, Haubstadt IN 47639
Tel: 1-812-867-5175
Web: https://www.stjameshaubstadt.com/