Final Salute

Salem – Oscar Krissel, age 94, departed this earthly realm on February 25, 2022. He lived in Conklin, NY, for many years, then in 2007 moved to Salem, OR, with his wife Lola. Oscar loved being around people, and brightened many lives with his easy smile, playful razzing, and willingness to serve. He never complained about his own difficulties, including his extreme hearing loss. His can-do attitude and resilience helped him soldier through trials.

During World War II Oscar enlisted in the Seabees and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After discharge, Oscar married Lola Jenkins. They raised three children—Paul, Connie, and Shari—and were married 73 years.

For 45+ years, Oscar served as a volunteer firefighter and fire policeman with Conklin Volunteer Fire Department in Conklin, NY. He worked at Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory (EJs) and Sears & Roebuck. He was an expert carpet and tile installer, and won awards as the top carpet salesman during his employment at Sears. After retirement, he worked another 17 years for Donson Transportation, until age 79.

Oscar was a committed member of Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church in Binghamton, NY. He could often be found holding a paintbrush, climbing a ladder to repair something at the church building, or driving the church van.

Oscar’s greatest treasure was his family. He is survived by his wife Lola Krissel (Salem, OR), son Paul Krissel (Salem, OR), daughter Connie Vanderburg (Albuquerque, NM), and daughter Shari Gilford (Salem, OR), as well as four grandchildren—Jeremy Vanderburg, Tim Vanderburg, Katie (Krissel) Watt, Susan Krissel—and four great-grandchildren—Bella, Mila, Amelia, Oliver—and special family member Anh Ly.

Friday, March 25, 2022, 11:00am: Military Committal Service, Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR 97086

Saturday, March 26, 2022, 2:00pm: Celebration of Life, Calvary Baptist Church, 1230 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Memorial gifts can be sent to Conklin Volunteer Fire Department, 1034 Conklin Road, Conklin, NY 13748. Write memo: “Oscar Krissel Memorial” or donate online at GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com, search for “In memory of Oscar Krissel”). Gifts will go toward new equipment.

Posted online on March 13, 2022

Published in Press & Sun-Bulletin