Aileen Isabel Bissing

In October 1943 she completed a three-year RN graduate nursing program from Cushing Memorial Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas. She then joined the US Army Nurse Corps on December 7, 1943 where she was assigned to the 187th General Hospital in England. It was there that she treated mainly patients from Africa suffering with malaria and after D-Day, soldiers with severe battle injuries.

Six months after watching a sky full of bombers from horizon to horizon heading to the D-day invasion, Aileen was transferred to the 21st General Hospital in France near the Battle of The Bulge. Her WWII decorations include the Rhineland Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Meritorious Unit Emblem, Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. She was discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant in November 1945.

After returning from overseas, Aileen continued her education and nursing career by graduating from Fort Hays State College with her BSN in 1951. She married Donald Bissing in Hays, Kansas then moved to Denver Colorado. In Denver Aileen worked as a licensed BSN RN at the VA Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital then a brief period as a private duty nurse.

In September 1958 Aileen began a 38-year career working for Dr. Gilbert Maestas, MD in private family practice. She continued her nursing education at Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado graduating as a Certified Nurse Practitioner in 1983 continuing her career with Dr. Maestas until retiring in 1996.

She had a lifelong passion for nursing and brought compassion to those around her. Aileen’s kind, caring tender care, mentoring and genuine concern for everyone’s wellbeing was felt and appreciated by thousands of patients, friends and family. Aileen will always be remembered for her compassionate care and kindness to those around her. She was always willing to help others throughout her lifetime.

Aileen enjoyed a wide variety of interests. She loved going to plays at Elitch Gardens Playhouse, golfing, opera, and travel. Aileen was a member of the all-women’s American Legion Post 206 in Denver for over 55 years, where she served as the commander and active member serving the community and service members. She was an extensive reader who was always well informed about current events. She especially loved the Denver Broncos Football Team as a season ticket holder for over 42 years and was a loyal fan in both good and bad seasons. She loved the peacefulness and beauty of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoyed skiing and fishing with friends and family.

As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Aileen comes from a long lineage of American war veterans that have served in every major United Stated conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Her sister Betty and brother Ernest Jr. (Bud) preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Susie and two sons: Jeffrey and Robert, two granddaughters: Britt and Stina and three great grandchildren: Bailey, Brandi, and Isaac.

A memorial will also be held in Atchison, Kansas on November 4, 2017 and interment will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Atchison, Kansas.