Patrick Francis Rishor, 88

Patrick Francis Rishor, 88, of Jeffersonville, Ind., and formerly of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away Feb. 12, 2025. Patrick was born to Earl and Georgia Josephine Collins Rishor on Sept. 12, 1936, in Fort Peck, Mont., the fourth of seven children of the late Earl and Josephine Rishor. Earl, in a heroic act of self-sacrifice, came in contact with Mustard gas during his service to our country in WWI; this exposure caused myriad health issues, which resulted in his death at an early age. 

Patrick struggled with high school and joined the U.S. Army upon finishing his junior year at Kellogg, Idaho. He spent a total of 32 years in the Army, during which time he recognized the value of education and earned a degree in business. He loved the Army and worked his way through the ranks before retiring as a Master Sergeant. During this time, he met the love of his life, Thelma Bryant, a beautiful blond southern belle, and they were married July 31, 1965. Patrick was chosen among many applicants as a teacher for Jr. ROTC at Bullitt Central High School near Louisville, Ky. Due to his influence and obvious love for them, his cadets received many honors, awards, and scholarships, including four cadets being accepted to West Point. Patrick was an especially honorable individual, as indicated by his many actions. In particular, upon the tragic TransCanada Highway auto crash death of his nephew, David Johnson, in 1973, Patrick took leave from the Army and traveled to Saskatchewan in order to ensure the casket was respectfully loaded for transport to David’s final destination and the presence of his mother in Spokane, Washington. What an amazingly meaningful sacrifice by Patrick!

Patrick thoroughly enjoyed golfing, traveling, researching family history and spending time with his extended family of nieces and nephews. Patrick was also the family historian and spent many hours researching his ancestry. He was very proud that he was able to research and compile all the battles his father was involved in during WWI. Patrick was able to secure a copy of his father’s enlistment and deployment documents to France, where Patrick’s grandfather emigrated in the 1800s.

Patrick and Thelma enjoyed 46 wonderful years together before Thelma died in 2011. Patrick struggled mightily with this loss. He remarried to Shirley White in 2013.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard Dennis, Robert James (Jim) Rishor, Jerry Paul Rishor, Michael Rishor and his beloved Thelma. He is survived by his sisters, Donna (Kay) Lasater and Cynthia Frazier. He is also survived by Shirley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Patrick will be buried in the military section of the Kellogg Idaho cemetery Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m., where he will be placed very near to three of his brothers and just across the creek from his parents and a brother who died as a child. Viewing will be Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, from 1 to 3:30, with service immediately following at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Ind.

Memories of Patrick and messages of condolence may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting locally with arrangements.