Larry Kissler, Inspiration of Norco, Dies at 82

BOISE, Idaho - Larry Kissler, family man, World War II Veteran, and inspiration of Norco Inc., died Friday morning, September 25th at his Boise residence. He was 82.

Mr. Kissler moved to Boise with his wife Frances and their four children in 1968 when they purchased the welding supply division of the Nordling Auto Parts Company (Norco).
The overwhelming success he experienced with Norco served as a vehicle to share his values, work ethic, and influence with those for whom he served.

His own words describe his philosophy in a company newsletter, "Fran and I have always felt that Norco should not just be a place to work. This company should have a cause for its existence. The cause is to save and prolong life...this includes our customers, fellow employees, suppliers, and all mankind. Therefore, in fighting for our cause of saving and providing a better life for all, we must do it better than anyone else in the world; to be professional and serve our cause."

Larry, the youngest child of six, was born in 1927 in Odessa, Washington to German emigrants from Frank, Russia. As a child, he learned the values and faith that would provide a life-long dedication to God, passion for service, and success.

He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II while serving in the 11th Air Force in the Aleutian Islands.

At Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Economics, he also served as president of his class and was one of five outstanding senior men.

While at Washington State University, Larry met Frances Linn. They were married on September 10, 1950 in Yakima, Washington at the Methodist Church.

Upon graduation he joined the Linde Division of Union Carbide and during his 17-year career served as Salesman in the Pacific Northwest, Area Manager in Salt Lake City, Assistant Regional Manager in Chicago, and New England Regional Manager in Boston. From there, Larry and his family moved to Boise where he built the nation's largest privately owned company of its kind.

In 1978 Norco was chosen by the Welding Distributor Magazine as one of the outstanding distributors in the United States and Canada.

In 1979, Larry was named the Small Businessman of the Year for the State of Idaho.
Larry was elected President of the National Welding Supply Association in 1986, chosen by fellow distributors to lead the industry.

In 1992 the National Chamber of Commerce, Connecticut Mutual, and Nation's Business Magazine presented the Blue Chip Enterprise award to Norco as the business that has demonstrated the highest levels of efficiency and leadership in its industry.

Boise State University College of Business, Oregon State University College of Business, First Interstate Bank and Stoel Rives Attorneys honored Norco as the Family Business of the Year in 1995.
Larry's hard work, dedication, and subsequent success never allowed him a moment of pride, arrogance or egotism.

"Superficiality is the curse of our age," He said, "The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primarily spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for dedicated people."

Larry and Fran taught their children the importance of devotion and service by giving large portions of their earnings to various charities, churches, and organizations. Examples of these civic contributions came in the form of The Kissler Family Chapel at St. Luke's, The Kissler Family Library at St. Alphonsus, scholarships and humanitarian aid projects.

"Mom and Dad always tithed and as their income grew so did their gifts,"said Jim Kissler, son and current CEO of Norco, "I watched and learned. Dad would say things like, ‘You can't out give God.' ‘The more I give the more I get.' Pretty soon he had the rest of us believing him and tithing also."
Consequently, the Kissler Family Foundation was established, where Norco and the Kissler Family continue to support their communities with the same passion and devotion Larry brought to Boise over 40 years ago.

"I firmly believe that when every person is born, God has a dream for that individual to be productive in his kingdom," said Larry. "Just as a seed has the potential to bring forth a beautiful flower or tree, so God has a dream for each of us to have a good life."

Larry's vision of "God's Dream" extended foremost to his family, where he cherished the time and love spent with them. It was never uncommon to see the Kissler Family van/camper loaded with their children, while visiting prominent and historical sites all across the United States.

Larry Kissler has fulfilled "God's Dream" with his love for mankind and immeasurable service as a husband, father, veteran, and humanitarian. He is survived by his wife, Frances, his children, Laura Colson, James Kissler, Karen Edwards, Marlene Kissler, 9 grandchildren, and over 900 devoted employees.

Although Larry Kissler will remain forever the leader and inspiration of Norco, when asked how he wished to be remembered Larry said, "Only as someone who, through strong personal commitment, wished to make the world a better place to live."