Vickie Kisner

is honored with a Brick from John J. Kisner, Jr. and Heather D. Hodson-Kisner.

Always there with love and support for family and friends, she has always put others first. Active in her church, constantly busy at home, and currently the world's greatest grandma, my heroine continues to be one of the cornerstones of my life. She is "mom."

Victorine D. (Steffan) Kisner was born on March 13, 1931, in Nashville, KS. She is the youngest of seven children born to Elizabeth and Adolph Steffan. "Vickie" was raised on a farm near St. Leo, KS and is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy (now Newman University) in Wichita.

In 1952, she moved to Pratt, KS, where she worked in medical transcription at the Pratt County Hospital. She married John J. Kisner (WSU, 1967) on September 23, 1956. I was their first-born and I arrived on July 19, 1959. The early 60's presented her with hardships and challenges. My father was stricken with a severe stroke and her father became frail and passed away. She made it through this very difficult period, showing amazing strength and determination as she fulfilled her responsibilities as a daughter, wife, mother and employee.

In the summer of 1964, we moved to Wichita and welcomed the fourth member of the family, Kimberly Susan Kisner (now Pohl) (WSU, 1986.) Vickie worked at home raising her two children until we were both in school. She then started working for the Wichita Public School District, U.S.D. 259. She joined the staff of Dr. John Gasper in 1978 and helped open the new Northwest High School. She served in several positions during her eleven years at Northwest, working in the administration office. She spent the next six years in the Maize School District, U.S.D. 266, where she specialized in working with children who were experiencing difficulties reading.

Mom now spends her time caring for her grandchildren and working at home. She and dad are regular members of the Shocker Baseball team's traveling "band" of supporters.

My mother has faced difficult challenges in her life. She has provided help, support and direction to many family members, friends and area students. Her faith and determination have always been her guides. She is a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Her strength, love and support have made her a true heroine to me and my sister, as well as many others who have known her over the years.

Submitted by John J. (Joe) Kisner, Jr., WSU 1981

September 15, 1998