Damien L. Bissen

Damien L. Bissen

Passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, May 12th, 2022, the feast day of St. Damien of Molokai, due to complications from Lymphoma. Damien was the beloved husband of 57 years to Marcella (nee Merten). He is survived by his 3 loving children and 7 grandchildren: Daughter Dawn Buege, husband Bruce, and their sons, Andrew and Thomas – Son Peter Bissen, wife Kathryn, and their daughters, Malia and Kiara – Son Gregory Bissen, wife Tanya, and their daughters, Ashley, Olivia, and Ella.

Damien was born in Maui, Hawaii. He was a kind and loving soul, whose life was filled with a deep love of music that came from his Hawaiian ohana (family). He came to Milwaukee in 1958 with his mother, having followed his brother and sister, bringing that love with him. As an instrumentalist and vocalist, he performed with many different musical groups in the area…the Army Reserve Band, various church choirs, but his pride and joy was the Hawaiian band called the Kama’ainas, that he founded over 50 years ago, which grew into a Polynesian revue that performed throughout the Midwest for many years. He was also the longtime choir director at St. Catherine of Alexandria, the parish he loved and remained a member of until his death. Damien also passed on his love of music and performing to his children and grandchildren.

Before he retired, Damien was employed as a Computer Operations Supervisor with Tecumseh Power Products in Grafton for 28 years after having been employed for many years at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee.

Gathering will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria, 8661 North 76th Place, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, May 27th, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM. Please feel free to wear your favorite tropical attire!