Beginning shooting wedding candids to owning his own color lab serving many states with highest quality color printing available in the midwest. Willie in his life time accomplished so much. I will always remember him as a friend, a true leader in the photography industry and ever, an uncomplicated gentleman. It was my pleasure to work for Willis at Risser Digital Imaging and work with him on the Board of the WIPA. The Wisconsin Industrial Photographers Association presented Willis its highest award, honoring him with Life Membership. He sponsored the Association through some lean times and his support kept the WIPA alive for many years, allowing the Industrial Photographers Association to successfully make the transition into digital photography. (Willis opened the first digital retouching facility in the Midwest, which helped to usher in the era of digital photography in Wisconsin.) He hosted many of the Association’s monthly meetings and graciously opened the doors of Risser Digital Imaging to the WIPA members for a look behind the scenes. Over the years Willis served as a special advisor to the Board of WIPA Directors, attending meetings whenever needed. He held a special appreciation for commercial and industrial photographers and generously shared his time, money and facilities for the benefit of the Wisconsin Industrial Photographers Association (WIPA).

Willis Risser was a true supporter of professional photographers all across Wisconsin.

He will truly be missed by all that knew him, and will always have my respect.īrenda Holzworth – past employee, present friend. His dedication to the Photography Industry was still very much present. We had caught up with each other in recent years and he still had that pleasant demeanor that I remembered. He made it easy to work for him and his employees had a lot of fun along the way. He ran an innovative, efficient, and quality minded business. On so many levels, I can honestly say he was the best employer I ever had. I was fortunate to have been employed by Willie in the late ’80s and early ’90s, at his lab, which at the time went by the name “Risser Color Service”. Willie was a respectful and generous man, personally and professionally.

He will be missed Marlene and Thomas Kidd Willis was a wonderful boss and I will miss his annual Christmas Card. It was an honor to be a part of the Risser Imaging Family for 18 years. Our love and prayers are with the family.

Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser