LaRae (Harrop) Gissel

LaRae (Harrop) Gissel died June 1, 2006, at her home in Laguna Hills, Calif.

Her father, mother and sister, Dorothy Harrop, preceded her in death. Her brother, Steve Harrop; sisters, Edie Harrop and Sally (Harrop) Bartholomew; her husband, Con Gissel; and her five children, survive her.

LaRae was born May 18, 1936, in Driggs, Idaho, the daughter of Frank and Minnie Harrop.

She graduated from the University of Idaho in the spring of 1958, where she received her bachelor of science degree in education. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was very active in the sorority.

It was at college where LaRae met and fell in love with Conrad Gissel. They wed in a little country church in Jackson Hole, Wyo., on Aug. 18, 1958. LaRae raised her family in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she had five children, Kellee (Gissel) Merrill and Bob Merrill of Sandpoint, Traci Gissel of Sandpoint, Gregory Gissel of Laguna Hills, Brad Gissel of Sandpoint and Garth and Leslie Gissel of Weston, Ore. She had seven gradnchildren, Jordan and Kaleb Merrill of Sandpoint, Candice and Gregory Gissel of Laguna Hills, Breanna Gissel of Sandpoint and Maddison and Forrest Gissel of Weston.

In 1987, LaRae moved to California, where Conrad worked until retirement. In her retirement years, she enjoyed the favorable weather, going to the beach and visits with her grandchildren.

LaRae was a natural teacher. She would use her love of life, sports, animals and all living things to teach important life lessons to her family to whom she was devoted. When she first moved to Sandpoint, LaRae worked at General Telephone. During her lifetime, she also was a substitute teacher for the Bonner County School District.

LaRae was active in the community. She was a Cub Scout leader, she was on a bowling league and she was a helper in 4-H. In Laguna Hills, she volunteered as a teacher's aide.

There will be a memorial service as family and friends gather to celebrate her life at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2255 West Pine St., on Saturday, June 24, 2006, at 6 p.m.