Romandus “Sam” Jordan Gisleson

Romandus (Sam) Gisleson, 90, of Monona, passed away July 19, 2021, at his home.  Sam was born December 20, 1930, in Postville, Iowa.  He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in 1931 and confirmed in 1944.  He graduated from Luana High School in 1949 and pursued his lifelong dream of continuing the family farm.  He actively farmed into his seventies and continued to have an interest in farming until his passing.  It was love at first sight with Joan Verla Schutte and after a short courtship they were engaged and were married on November 28, 1954. They were married for 66 years.  Sam and Joan raised four children to have the same strong work ethic as their dad, enlisting their help daily with various activities on the family farm.

Sam took an interest in whatever his children and grandchildren were doing, be it showing livestock, horses, or participating in athletics. He loved sharing pictures of his family, always quick to grab a picture or two of his grandchildren he kept in his wallet.  Sam was very soft spoken and a man of few words.  When he did tell you something or interject into a conversation it was always important and thoughtful.  While he was a man of few words, he had a quick wit. He loved to tell jokes, especially those that involved Ole and Lena (not surprising he was of Norwegian heritage).  Little known to anyone other than his immediate family, he had an artistic streak.  He loved to color with his grandchildren and enjoyed decorating for Christmas. A large, decorated tree was his favorite, but sometimes he overestimated the height of the ceiling and would have to either trim the tree to fit or nail it to the floor so it would stand up.

He is survived by wife Joan, his four children: Melonee (David) Nichols of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lynne (Chad) Payne of DeGraff, Minnesota, Michael (Kara) Gisleson of Luana, Iowa, David (Stacie) Gisleson of North Liberty, Iowa and seven grandchildren, Kelsey Gisleson; Samantha (Tyler) Schoenfelder; Allie Payne; Quentin, Kaden, Keyan and Addie Gisleson.  He is also survived by his sisters Madonna (late Howard) Stumme and JoLena (Harvey) Levenhagen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Flossie and Henry and his brother, Marlow (Red).  

Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.

Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Postville or Crossing Rivers Health Hospice of Prairie du Chien, WI.

Click here to visit the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home website.