Neisess, Kendall Dale - FUHS 1938

Neisess, Kendall Dale

July 9, 1919 - August 4, 2019

Kendall was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and lived on a farm until moving to Orange County at age 6 in 1926. He graduated from Fullerton High School in 1938. He was active in youth activities with the YMCA and Church groups. Kendall went to Fullerton College and UCLA and then to USC where he met Sandy. He was getting his Master’s degree while Sandy was completing her nursing degree. Kendall was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII.

On June 23, 1945 while off the coast of Japan, his ship hit a mine. The blast threw everyone about, many suffering severe major injuries. As the second in command, with the Captain severely injured, Kendall made sure all the men made it to life rafts, even the ship’s dog, “Doc”, who went on to live 10 more years in Chicago. Kendall was awarded a Purple Heart.

After discharge, he remained in the Navy Reserves for 26 years, retiring as a Commander.

Upon leaving the Navy, Kendall began teaching high school classes in the Orange School District and then served as a counselor, vice principal and principal.

He then transferred to elementary schools as a principal until his retirement in 1984 after 39 years.

Kendall was an active volunteer in the Fullerton community his entire adult life. He was active in YMCA, Western Youth Services, where he served on the Board of Directors, and a teacher in his church for 60 years. For 50 years, he led the Weekday Christian Education program that provided the Chapel on Wheels trailers to Fullerton elementary schools. He coordinated a monthly paper drive throughout Fullerton that provided the funding for all those years.

As an active member of the Fullerton American Legion Post 142 for 30 years, Kendall chaired the education committee that provides academic scholarships to students at the three Fullerton high schools. He also served as the Post Commander in 2000 and was always one of the first volunteers to sign up for any work details for Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Kendall represented the best of what we hope from all our citizens; a willingness to help build and maintain the community. When Kendall joined an organization, he got involved. He was not one of the silent majority or card-carrying members. He was always ready to contribute.

As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, Kendall was honored at the May 2015 Memorial Day ceremony at Loma Vista Memorial Park. In June 2015, the City of Fullerton honored him by naming him the Volunteer of the Month.

Kendall and his wife Sandy were married for 72 years; have 5 children, Robin Scofield, Roger, Devon, Kurt and Scott; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren

and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A viewing is scheduled for Friday, August 16th from 4:00-6:00 pm at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton.

A Memorial Service will be held August 17, 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 114 N. Pomona Ave, Fullerton, with a reception in the church hall following. Graveside services with military honors will be held separately at Loma Vista Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to either the Chapel on Wheels, P.O. Box 5281, Fullerton, CA 92838 or the Methodist Youth Services, 114 N. Pomona Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831.

McAulay & Wallace Mortuary