Joseph A. Hiss

HISS, JOSEPH A. Aug. 8, 1919 to Dec. 8, 2003 Joseph Hiss, a San Diego resident for more than 50 years, passed away on December 8, after battling Alzheimer ' s disease for the last 4 years. He was born in Hawthorne, California, and enjoyed woodworking and travel. Joe was a very talented wood carver, and he taught wood carving at local clubs. One of his proud accomplishments was the production of a miniature carousel complete with carved horses. Joe was always looking for a new carving challenge, and spent time when traveling looking for that perfect piece of wood to further his passion. Joe served in the Army in Europe during World War II. He was wounded in action and awarded a Purple Heart. He retired as a lathe operator from Precision Metals in 1982. He and his wife Loretta were interested in genealogy and they traveled to the East Coast several times to research family history. She preceded him in death in 1992. Joe loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and taught many of them about life and woodworking. We will miss him greatly and will cherish our memories of the time spent with him and especially treasure the wood carvings that he made and the stories that went with them. Survivors include his daughter, Lindia Hudgins of Clarksville, Tenn.; sister, Mary Eva Wiltze of Los Angeles; stepson, Joseph Schimka of San Diego, and stepdaughter, Helen Streit of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and others whom he loved and considered part of his family. A private memorial service was held. Arrangements: El Camino Memorial Park. Donations: San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com