Neil Kiesau

Neil Kiesau, 61, of rural Lansing, died peacefully at his home Friday, March 18, 2005, following a courageous fight with cancer. Funeral services were held Monday, March 21 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing, Iowa, with Pastor Laura Gentry officiating. Burial was in Lansing Ridge Cemetery, rural Lansing. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon was in charge of arrangements.

Neil John Kiesau was born August 8, 1943, in Waukon, Iowa, to Calvin and Luella (Hanson) Kiesau. He was baptized at Zion Reformed Church and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, both in Waukon. Neil graduated from Waukon High School in 1961 and from Waldorf College in 1963. He then attended The University of Iowa where he graduated in 1969.

He worked at Collins Radio as a Contract Analyst from 1964 thru 1970. On October 15, 1966, he married Sharon Thorstenson and they resided in Coralville and Marion, Iowa, while completing his bachelor’s degree at Iowa. They moved to Lansing in May 1971 when Neil started working for the Lansing Button Co., which is now Blumenthal-Lansing Co., as Production Manager.

Neil was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing, where he served as President for many years and held various other council positions. He was a past member of Marion Jaycees where he held several offices. He was also a member of Whitetails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Neil loved hunting, fishing, camping, and just getting together for cookouts with family and friends. He was an avid fan of Hawkeye football and basketball and had season football tickets for many years. He enjoyed decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas with all his yard displays and lights.

Neil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sharon; one son, Eric and wife Becky (Reed) of La Crescent, Minn.; daughters Kari and husband Curt Neuenkirk of Springfield, Mo., and Tami of Lansing; three grandchildren, Thomas and Kelsey Kiesau and CJ Neuenkirk; one brother, Curt and wife Carolyn Kiesau of Wausau, Wis.; sister-in-law June Kiesau of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law Maxine Thorstenson of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin “Cobby” and Luella Kiesau; one brother, Roger; his special aunt, Mae Hanson; and father-in-law Floyd Thorstenson.

Honorary casketbearers were Tim Stone, Kevin Hanson, Ron Schultz, Frank Goltz, Gary Kolsrud, and Gayle Decker. Casketbearers were Dr. George and Dr. Scott Wilson, Harvey Estebo, Duane Hanson, Dr. Jan Schweitzer, and Daryl Bolson.