Joan Verla Gisleson

Joan Gisleson, 89, of Luana, passed away on July 25, 2024 at Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. Joan was born on October 27, 1934 in Postville, Iowa. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith in 1935 and confirmed in 1949. She graduated from Postville High School in 1952. It was love at first sight when she saw Romandus Jordan Gisleson 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 who were involved in the day-to-day farming operation. Joan’s primary role was as a wife and mother. Aside from that, Joan worked various jobs throughout the years while also providing support on the farm.

Joan took interest in whatever her children and grandchildren were doing, be it showing livestock and horses, or participating in athletics. Joan loved to cook and bake, earning herself the nickname “Cookie”. She was happiest when the whole family was around the table enjoying a meal that she had prepared. Aside from her children and grandchildren, Joan’s faith was the most important aspect in her life. She especially enjoyed her time worshiping and serving the congregation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. She enjoyed many years of playing cards in various ladies’ clubs and a couples’ club with her husband Sam.

She is survived by two daughters, Melonee (David) Nichols of Cedar Rapids and Lynne (Chad) Payne of DeGraff, Minnesota and two sons, Michael (Kara) Gisleson of Luana, Iowa and David (Stacie) Gisleson of North Liberty, Iowa. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kelsey Gisleson; Samantha (Tyler) Schoenfelder; Allie Payne; Quentin, Kaden, Keyan and Addie Gisleson; and one great grandchild, Harriet Schoenfelder. She is also survived by her sister Betty Timmerman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Romandus “Sam”, her parents, Verla and Eldo Schutte, and her siblings, Marvin, Marlen, and Mary.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.

Interment will follow in the Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.

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

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