HARTFORD – Cecil Roy Wismer, 70, of Hartford, passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo.

Cecil was born Sept. 25, 1939, in Benton Harbor. He was the son of Cecil and Elva (Jones) Wismer, who precede him in death.

Cecil was a member of the 1957 graduating class of Hartford High School.

He married the former Mary Pubanz on Aug. 20, 1966. Mary passed away on June 6, 2007, after many years of ill health.

Cecil served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

After his tour of duty, Cecil worked at Auto Specialties, Michigan Tube (Hoffman Industries) in Eau Claire and for 26 years at Whirlpool Corp.

While working at Whirlpool, Cecil owned and operated Owens Gas Station in Benton Harbor.

While in the service, Cecil bowled aboard ship and from there on he was an avid bowler who bowled at Lakes Bowl, Gersondies (Kelly’s Bowl), Blossom Lanes, Coloma Lanes and the Old Recreation Lanes for more than 50 years.

During the summer Cecil was seen at the Hartford Recreation fields, watching his children and grandchildren play ball and for a few years coached baseball in the Hartford Recreation Leagues.

Cecil is survived by: a son, Cecil (Diane) Wismer of Hartford; two daughters, Lisa (Patrick) Wilkinson of South Haven and Michelle (Gregory Jr.) Bond of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren; and two sisters, Donna Obermesik of Hartford and Alice (Ron) Nelson of Niles.

Following Cecil’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will welcome friends at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m., at which time a service to honor his memory will commence. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated Church will officiate.

Both Cecil and Mary’s ashes will be laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cecil’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.