Harold Gieselman

Harold H. “Harry” Gieselman, 85, of Oelwein, Iowa, died with his family by his side on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026, at Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein with Rev. Rick Johnson officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein and for one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.
Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Harold Howard Gieselman was born February 20, 1941, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Howard Herman & Dorothy Marie (Breuer) Gieselman. He was raised in Burlington and graduated from Wapello High School. Harry played football and received his bachelor's degree in education from Iowa Wesleyan University and then his master’s degree in education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, Kirksville, Missouri.

Harry was united in marriage to Kay Marie Stevens on a very hot and humid July 29, 1967 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.

Harry was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He had previously been a member and served in leadership of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Fayette County Republican Party, and Fayette County Zoning Board.

Harry and Kay resided in Cedar Rapids Iowa early in their marriage. While there Harry taught physical education and health in addition to coaching track, football, and wrestling at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. He had a lifelong passion for teaching and enjoyed working with young people. In 1969 Harry and Kay moved to Oelwein where they began farming with Kay’s parents and established themselves and their family in the farming community.

Harry was energized by his family and even in his later years these gatherings brought out the best in him. Harry and Kay loved to travel with friends and if local friends did not accompany them on the voyage they would make new lifelong friends at whatever their destination. His times at the cabin they established at Lake Delhi brought him great joy and relaxation. Harry greatly enjoyed farming; caring for the land, husbandry of cattle or hogs, and management of the business challenged his sharp mind and strengthened his spirit.

Harry is survived by his 3 Children: Renee (Doug) Hembry of Milo, Gwen (Scott) Recker of Oelwein & Heath (Kera) Gieselman of Oelwein; 8 Grandchildren: Cameron (Kayden) Minton, Gabrielle Recker, Grant Minton, Eric Recker, Alex Gieselman, Lana Gieselman, Owen Gieselman & Simon Gieselman; 2 Great Grandchildren: Colter Minton & Raelynn Seymour; 3 Siblings: Wayne (Donna) Gieselman of Des Moines, Janet (Mike) McChesney of McKinney, Texas & Ruth (Mark) Walljasper of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nieces & Nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Kay on April 18, 2025, brother: Dale in childhood and his parents-in-law: Louis & Marie Stevens.