Patrick Francis Rishor

Patrick Francis Rishor, 88, of Jeffersonville, Indiana and formerly of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away on February 12, 2025. Patrick was born to Earl and Georgia Josephine Collins Rishor on September 12, 1936, in Fort Peck, Montana, the forth of seven children of the late Earl and Josephine Rishor. Earl, in a heroic act of self-sacrifice came in contact with Mustard gas during his service to our country in WWI; this exposure caused myriad health issues which resulted in his death at an early age. 

Patrick struggled with high school and joined the US Army upon finishing his junior year at Kellogg Idaho. He spent a total of 32 years in the Army during which time he recognized the value of education and achieved a degree in Business. He loved the Army and worked his way up through the ranks before retiring as a Master Sargent. During this time he met the love of his life, Thelma Bryant, a beautiful blond southern belle and they were married on July 31, 1965. Patrick was chosen among many applicants as a teacher for Jr. ROTC at Bullitt Central High School near Louisville Kentucky. Due to his influence and obvious love for them, his cadets received many honors, awards, and scholarships, including 4 cadets being accepted to West Point. Patrick was an especially honorable individual as indicated by his many actions. In particular, upon the tragic TransCanada Hwy auto crash death of his nephew, David Johnson in 1973, Patrick took leave from the Army, traveled to Saskatchewan in order to assure the casket was respectfully loaded for transport to David’s final destination and the presence of his mother in Spokane Washington. What an amazingly meaningful sacrifice by Patrick!

Patrick thoroughly enjoyed golfing, traveling, researching family history and spending time with his extended family of nieces and nephews. Patrick was also the family historian and spent many hours researching his ancestry. He was very proud that he was able to research and compile all the battles his father was involved in during WWI. Patrick was able to secure a copy of his father’s enlistment and deployment documents to France from where Patrick’s grandfather emigrated in the 1800’s. Patrick and Thelma enjoyed 46 wonderful years together before Thelma died in 2011. Patrick struggled mightily with this loss. He remarried in 2013 to Shirley White.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard Dennis, Robert James (Jim) Rishor, Jerry Paul Rishor, Michael Rishor and his beloved Thelma. He is survived by his sisters, Donna (Kay) Lasater and Cynthia Frazier. He is also survived by Shirley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Patrick will be buried in the military section of Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg, ID on or Thursday, February 20, 2025,10:00 AM where he will be placed very near to three of his brothers and just across the creek from his parents and a brother who died as a child. Services in Indiana consist of a viewing  to be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:30, service immediately following at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana.

Memories of Patrick and messages of condolence may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting locally with arrangements.