Jack Richard Risler

Died September 25, 2015 at Ellen's Home of Germantown Assisted Living Facility. The longtime resident of West Allis, WI died at the age of 94 after a long illness.

Jack was born December 26, 1920 in Davenport, Iowa and raised by adoptive parents Harry and Helen (Ernst) Risler. Jack married his high school sweetheart (Ruth) Phyllis Dodge at Kingsley Methodist Church on May 22, 1943. Like many of his generation, Jack volunteered to serve his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps. Sergeant Risler became a parachute instructor and was recruited by the Office of Strategic Services to teach agents how to parachute into enemy territory throughout Europe. He was subsequently selected to join a top secret Operational Group dubbed UNION II, whose objective was to eliminate Nazis in the high alpine region of Southeastern France by arming and training the French resistance fighters. On August 1, 1944 seventy-eight B¬17 bombers from the 388th Bomber Group dropped seven Americans, one Free French officer, and 864 containers loaded with more than 150 tons of weapons and ammunition over Col des Saises, France. On August 16, 1944 the group was spotted by German Alpine Division troops near the town of Centron and they were quickly surrounded. Although they could have escaped, their commanding officer, Major Peter Ortiz, offered to surrender his troops (they numbered only three at the time: himself, Jack, and Sergeant John Bodnar) on the condition that the village and townspeople remain unharmed. Jack was held prisoner of war at Marlag North for 255 days until the camp was liberated by Allied troops. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Jack was decorated with the Silver Star and French Legion of Honor Medal for his acts of bravery. After the war Jack was employed as a salesman for the Dodge Pump Company, WB Rom Pump Company, and at Crane Engineering.

Jack was predeceased by his parents Harry and Helen (Ernst) Risler, wife Phyllis Risler, good friend Phyllis Gutsche, and son Mark Risler. He is survived by his son Neil (Joan Schultz) Risler; Grandchildren Jennifer (Eric Dean) Risler, Steven (Shawneen) Risler, Sara Risler and many great grandchildren. Jack was well known and much loved for his humble nature, kind heart, sharp wit, dry sense of humor and even drier martinis. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of Jack's life at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin on Saturday, October 10, 2015 with visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and memorial service from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Interment will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park at a later date. The Risler family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Ellen's Home, Seasons Hospice, and Krause Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, PO Box 636, Port Washington, WI 53074.