Joe "Sonny" Kisner

Joe “Sonny” Kisner, age 91, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Kelly House of Topeka.

He was born the son of Joseph G. Kisner, Sr., and Rose A. (Reeb) Kisner on October 19, 1934, in Topeka. On February 12, 1955, Sonny married his beloved wife, RoseMary Seibert at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together, they shared almost 50 years of marriage before RoseMary’s passing on November 8, 2004.

During his working career, Sonny first worked several years for the railroad. In 1958, he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Manufacturing and retired after 36 years in 1994. When Sonny was young, and lessons taught by his aunt, he embraced a passion for dancing. It was an activity that he loved throughout the years, and he and RoseMary shared many dances. Along with dancing, Sonny self-taught himself the game and love of golf as well as bowling. He was an avid KU Jayhawks fan, and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. His faith is what carried him his 91 years as an active member of the Knights of Columbus and parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors include his son, Steven “Steve” Ochs-Kisner (Jeff); daughter, Jodene “Jody” Kisner; three grandchildren, Michael Ditch, Jr. (Dr. Kaitlin Ditch), Jaime Lynn Hackmann (fiancé Ryan Boyd), and Janet Rose Schebaum (Derick). Other survivors include his five great-grandchildren, Abigail Rose Ditch, John Harrison Ditch, Autumn Rose Schebaum, Lily Rain Schebaum, and Wyatt Scott Schebaum.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, RoseMary Kisner; and a brother, Leroy Kisner whom passed away on April 26, 1989.

Sonny will lie in state from 5-6:30 P.M., followed by a Knight of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly #286 - James W. Gibbons Chalice Ceremony with a rosary following at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, October 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Sonny's memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 227 SW Van Buren St., Topeka, KS 66603 and/or Midland Care Meals on Wheels, 2134 SW Westport Dr., Topeka, KS 66614. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.