GISEL, Willard Erwin 1929 - 2010

GISEL, GARRETSON, NELSON, REED

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 1/29/2014 at 10:08:48

WILLARD ERWIN GISEL

Willard Erwin Gisel, 81, Ventura, died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 in the Hancock County Medical Hospital, Britt, Iowa. A graveside service will be held Friday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m., at the Elmwood Cemetery in Renwick, Iowa with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Military honors will be provided by Harvey-McPeak American Legion Post #289. Visitation with family will be Thursday, 5 ? 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated. Memorials may be given to the Willard Gisel Memorial Fund.

Willard was born Feb. 23, 1929 in Andrew, Iowa, the son of Robert John and Gladys Marie (Garretson) Gisel. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1946 where he was an all-state basketball player and earned a college degree from the University of Northern Iowa in education. He taught and coached at Randall, Iowa for one year.

Willard married Gladys Nelson on June 17, 1951 in Renwick. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 1, 1951 and served in the Army Intelligence department during the Korean War. Following an honorable discharge in 1953 he worked in the family hardware business in Ventura, and then opened a hardware store in Willowbrook Mall in Mason City. He served on the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors from 1978 ? 1990 and on the Clear Lake Sanitary District Board from 1991 - 2004. He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, the American Legion, the Cerro Gordo County Landfill Board and was a longtime member of the Ventura Protective Association.

Following retirement he enjoyed going to Florida to visit family. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, playing bridge and making wine for over 40 years.

Willard is survived by his wife, Gladys Gisel, Ventura; one son, Jeffrey R. Gisel and his wife, Karen, Oviedo, Fla., daughter-in-law, Donna Reed, Niceville, Fla.; four grandchildren, Tiffany Marie Gisel, Stephanie Anne Gisel, Jeffrey Steven Gisel and Andrew Robert Gisel.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven; and granddaughter, Jennifer Gisel.