Deanna “Dee” Louise Bisel
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Funeral Services for Deanna “Dee” Louise Bisel, 77, (of Lawrence) will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lawrence Heights Christian Church in Lawrence. The family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Dee passed on to glory on January 26, 2025, at LMH.
Dee was born on January 14, 1948 in Topeka, KS—the daughter of Lyle Duane and Dorothy Louise (Crane) Smelser. She married Ronald Grant Bisel on October 23, 1970 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on August 22, 2013. She married Marvin Bredehoft on May 18, 2024. She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Kristi Ann Burgess (Thomas), her son, Dr. Ryan Scott Bisel (Adele); her grandchildren, Evelyn and Grant Burgess and Phoebe and Moses Bisel—each of whom are totally amazing humans.
Dee graduated from Topeka High School, class of 1966; Washburn University, class of 1970, with a degree in Business Administration. She left a trailblazing career as an executive with Hallmark Cards and struck out on her own courageously to found Minuteman Press, which she owned and operated for a quarter of a century. Her daughter, Kristi Bisel Burgess, purchased her company in 2017 and continues to operate Minuteman Press, with the same team. Under Dee, the company was inducted into the President’s Million Dollar Circle by MMP International and honored by Small Business Magazine as one of the 25 Best Companies Under 25 Employees in the Kansas City area. She was recognized as a business and community leader with such awards as Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Washburn University Distinguished Service Award, ATHENA Award for Excellence in Mentoring Women, Sam Walton Business Leadership Award, and American Business Women’s Association’s Woman of the Year. In 2023, she co-authored an academic book on entrepreneurship (Routledge Press) with her son. Basically, while others were forming a committee and making a PowerPoint, she just went full[1]on superhero mode and got it done.
Dee served on various boards, including Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, Print Industries of America, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, and Sertoma 48 BBQ. She helped start Lawrence Business Exchange. In addition, her personal philanthropy efforts were legendary. Seriously.
Always fun-loving, she enjoyed watching Chiefs and KU sports; she played Granny Basketball (voted MVG: Most Valuable Granny) and brought the National Granny Basketball Tournament to Lawrence in 2019. Dee was a Senior Olympian gold-medalist in softball. She vacationed yearly with her family at the Lake of the Ozarks. Her grandkids called her “Gabby” and she took each of them on a trip when they turned 12. Her social calendar was full. Just try to keep up.
She loved Jesus, attended Lawrence Heights Christian Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, prayed for her family every morning, shared the gospel, cared for others, offered Godly advice, and gave generously. She was the hands, feet, and wallet of Jesus.
The family wishes to thank Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Dr. Soule, Dr. Park, Nurses Josh, Lev, Paula, Amy, Katie, and Visiting Nurses for providing incredible care.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald and Deanna Bisel Scholarship through Washburn University Endowment and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
We will miss Dee’s leadership at the Foundation. She was inspiring and sensible. God’s blessing as you grieve and celebrate her life.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Dee was such a warm and vibrant soul, and her kindness left a lasting impact on those around her. May her beautiful spirit continue to shine through the memories and love she shared with everyone. Wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time. May her celebration of life be a beautiful reflection of the love, joy, and light she brought into the world.
I was privileged to play with Dee in Granny Basketball and complete a bucket list to play in Allen Fieldhouse during halftime of women’s game. My time was short due to back issues and my Marine husband condition worse.
I appreciated the friendship and love the team had for everyone.
God bless you and know that Dee was an awesome woman with a great heart and smile. I am better to have known her Responsibility, Debbie Shirar
Marvin, you and Dee added so much love to our community (family). The way you blended your families together and focused your relationship on God was a blessing. On several occasions when I first moved to Branchwood Village I turned to Dee for advice. She never made me feel like I was a bother but always seemed willing and open to helping me. God bless you and your families for all you have added to our home.
As a fellow SERTOMAN, Dee amazed me with her leadership, dedication, and positive energy, even over these last several months. I learned a lot from Dee as a business owner, community leader, and as a fighter. She IS a great SERTOMAN who will continue to positively impact our club. We will miss her fellowship dearly. Condolences to Kristi, Marvin, and all of Dee’s family and friends.
I never met this amazing woman, but I have met her daughter, Kristi, and I have heard the most amazing and wonderfully inspiring stories about her mom, Dee. Kristi’s face lit up with pure joy and delight when she talked about her mom, so much so that I felt as if I knew her because I could feel the fire that Dee instilled in her daughter and the warmth of love that was beautifully shared with each story. I have no doubt her legacy will live on for generations to come. Much love to the family during this time of transition.
Oh Dee, I will miss you so. It was loads of fun working with you on Junior Achievement, LJW & Sunflower projects… and the occaional game of pool at Rick’s Place. Dee was a true leader. My condolences to the family.
Dee is one of the most positive and energetic women I have ever met. She inspired me with her success in business and passion for volunteerism. My heart goes out to the family. God bless you.
What a wonderful, charismatic woman she was, a favorite THS classmate. I am sad to hear of her passing. Mike Shearer
Dee was one amazing lady and good friend. Always positive and helpful to other women. Her smile and positive attitude will be missed. Sending condolences to Christy, Ryan and family.
I knew Dee from Sertoma and as a business neighbor when she opened Minuteman Press on Mesa Way. She was completely involved in any endeavor she took on. She was a key member of Sertoma from the time she joined and was the person who bought the idea and started the Sertoma 48 BBQ contest. That fundraising project continued for more than 20 years and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars which was given back to the Lawrence community.
Dee will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know and work with her. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Always a wonderful smile and a warm greeting. You are a treasure that will not be forgotten. So honored to have had the opportunity to meet you. You will be missed. I have appreciated your generosity over the years for your big heart and your love for Jesus Christ. You have run the race, fought the good fight. I am honored to say Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. May your rest in peace.