Zisser Tire co-founder dies at 84

March 17, 2007

John Zisser Sr. of Zisser Tire Co. Inc. died recently. The longtime resident of Kirkwood, Mo., was 84.

Zisser was born in Austria and immigrated to the United States when he was three years old. He honorably served his adopted country as a captain in the Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War.

Armed with a business degree, he joined the former BFGoodrich Tire Co. in the mid-1950s. After retiring from BFGoodrich in 1984, Zisser, along with his son, John Zisser Jr., founded Zisser Tire Co. in St. Louis, Mo. Zisser Tire became a stockholder in Del-Nat Tire Corp. in 1994.

Zisser retired for good in the mid 1990's. John Jr. continues to operate the company.

Zisser is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Audrey Zisser; sons Mike, John Jr., Mark and Steve; daughter Susan; and three grandchildren. He was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Feb. 16, 2007, with full a full military honor guard.