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Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Joseph Raymond Fossa
Aug. 28, 1946 - Aug. 1, 2019
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Joseph "Ray" Raymond Fossa was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on Aug. 28, 1946, to Joseph "Bud" Elliot Fossa and Edith "Dee" Marion Fossa.
They moved to San Francisco when Ray was 2 years old to start a better life with his older sister Shirley and younger brother David.
They then moved to Atherton for Ray’s formative years and he attended Encinal Elementary School. The family moved to Cupertino when he was 12, and there he attended junior high and Homestead High School.
Upon graduation Ray joined the US Navy in 1965. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Seabee, doing construction and transportation of materials.
Upon his honorable discharge he returned home to Cupertino where he would meet his wife, Kathie.
After their marriage in December of 1971, they moved to the Russian River where he started work as a carpenter at The Geysers geothermal steamfield. His career there brought him in 1979 to Kelseyville, by way of Cloverdale, where he would live out his days.
He rose from being a carpenter to being in charge of the Wildhorse steamfield lease up until its decommissioning in 2001.
Along the way he volunteered at the South Lake County Fire Protection District for 14 years, led numerous 4-H groups and was always helping his community.
He was a loving husband and father to three very fortunate sons. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Earl Fossa.
He is survived by his wife, Kathie Fossa; his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeremiah and Amanda Fossa, Danny and Trista Fossa, and Ryan and Promise Fossa; his sister, Shirley Huft; and six grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held for friends and family at a later date.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Robert "Bob" Kiesman, son of Virgil and Janet Kiesman, was born in Fryeburg, Maine on Jan. 24,1939.
Bob graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1957 where he was a three letter sports star. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers after high school and played in their farm system with their Los Angeles team until 1958, when a serious arm injury sidelined his career. Bob then moved the Wakefield, Massachusetts, and worked in the tool and dye industry.
He married Dorothy Winter in 1960 and together they raised a family and in 1977 they decided to move to Sunnyvale, California.
In 1987 Bob met Irene Rivas who would become his life partner. In 1989 he moved to Lakeport, California, and joined Irene in the real estate business. Bob enjoyed being a part of the real estate community. He was recognized as the Affiliate of the Year and played a big role in the canned food drive and the scholarship committee. He was a loan agent up until his retirement.
Bob was an excellent softball player and played senior softball where he pitched the winning game in the first World Series of Softball in Greensboro, North Carolina. He also entertained his family and friends with his wonderful singing voice.
He is survived by his life partner, Irene Rivas; sons, Steven Kiesman (Mary Beth), Chris Kiesman (Jenny), and Rob Winter (Elaine); grandchildren, Amanda , Brian, Angela and Jake Kiesman; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Ava and Bryce; and brother, Kenneth Kiesman (Liz) and family; his extended family, Eric Rivas (Dawnette), Marc Rivas (Gloria) and grandchildren, Marc Daniel, Jacob and Connor Rivas. He also leaves behind his dogs that he loved dearly, Amber, Stevie Ray and Angel.
No services will be held at Bob's request. A memorial will be held in Fryeburg, Maine with his Eastern family and in Lakeport in the fall.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Benjamin (Ben) Mitten was born in 1942 in Santa Monica, California. He was one of five children born to Charles and Maria Mitten.
Ben died at his home on Aug. 2, 2019.
He joined the Navy at 18 and served three years aboard the USS Carpenter.
After he returned home, he began working in construction, eventually starting Best Way Construction with his brother Jerry. He made many long-lasting friendships through his work as a contractor for 42 years.
He moved to Kelseyville, California, in 1972 and built his dream home from scratch, milling his own lumber and putting his heart and soul into every inch.
Always the spirited conversationalist, he loved to talk with anyone. Whether it was cracking jokes with strangers, sharing a beer at his barn, or trading stories with close friends and family.
Family always came first and he wanted nothing more than for his kids to carry on his legacy by doing slightly better with theirs.
Ben is survived by his wife of 33 years, Margie; his brothers, Jerry of Alta Loma and David of Arkansas; sister, Alice of Mont Clair; his sons, Danny (Annaliese) of Washington, Nick (Shawna) of Sacramento, Chris of San Diego and Steven (Nichole) of Kelseyville; daughter, Stephanie of New York; six grandchildren and another one on the way; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Buckingham Homeowners Association Club House, 2850 Eastlake Drive, Kelseyville.