William Wisen

Family-Placed Death Notice

William Earnest Wisen, of Mabscott Hill and Helen, WV, passed away in his sleep Sunday morning, December 17, 2006 at the Beckley VA Hospital. William Wisen was born in Salzburg, PA of a poor Mennonite family and was one of 16 children. His father was a Mennonite poultry farmer and his mother was Amish. His parents had immigrated from Germany because of lack of religious freedom. Mr. Wisen enlisted in the United State Marine Corps in 1941 and was stationed at Camp Le Jeune, NC and the Philippines. He served for 4 years and was honorable discharged as a Master Sargent. Following his military experience, he worked in the coal mines in Southern West Virginia as a miner and then as a General Mine Foreman for Eastern Bas and Fuel Company. He was named "Running Bear" in the mine community because of his fast moving ability and concern for other in the mines. He retired from the mines 20 years ago and was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Club and VFW. Mr. Wisen raised a family of 11 children with his wife the late Myrtle Faye Cox Wisen. He is survived by his daughter Billie Faye Yegar and her husband Dr. Howard Yegar of Atlanta, GA and Brevard, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William E. Wisen to the American Cancer Society, Charleston WV Office, 301 RHL Blvd., Suites 6&7, Charleston, WV 25309. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, WV.