William "Bill" Risser

William H. Risser M.D.
November 16, 1926–January 24, 2016 With deep sadness we share the passing of Dr. William H. Risser

William "Bill" Risser was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 16, 1926 to William W Risser and Valma Gerde Risser

After being drafted into the Army in 1945 Bill was honorably discharged, and he resumed his education at Pasadena Jr. College in Pasadena, California. He later did his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California and completed his undergraduate degree in pre-medicine. He followed two Uncles, who were physicians, and went on to study medicine at USC, and received his medical degree in 1958, with a concentration in Obstetrics. He then went on to complete his residency at LA County/USC Medical Center.
Bill loved health and fitness and was an avid runner, and skier. He was especially fond of long distance bike riding. He rode many times in The Ragbrai, a long distance race, in which the contestants ride across the state of Iowa, starting from Sioux City, Iowa and finishing in Davenport, Iowa. Bill loved animals and had at least one dog around him his entire life. Bill loved vintage cars, and loved the music of the 30's and 40's, and was always heard playing the likes of Vaughn Monroe, Bunny Barragan, and his long time hero Bix Beiderbecke.
Dr. Risser is survived by his sister Marilyn Holland, and nephews Eric, and Tom Holland, and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc., or The Pasadena Humane society.
A viewing will be held on Monday February 8th, from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Cabot and Sons, located at 27 Chestnut St., Pasadena, CA 91103, and then Bill will be laid to rest on Saturday the 13th of February at the Des Moines Masonic Cemetery, 1550 48th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50311.