Cleland H. "Ole" Isacson

Cleland H. Isacson, age 92, of West Des Moines, died early on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Karen Acres Health Care Center in Urbandale, Iowa.

“Ole”, as he was would later be nicknamed, was born on July 4, 1930, in Rolfe, Iowa, to the late Hans and Dorothy Isacson. He graduated from High School in 1948 and after working a number of construction jobs in and around his home in Bradgate, Iowa. Ole enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 30, 1950. While serving his country he received the Korean War Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal. After completing his enlistment, Ole was honorably discharged as a Quarter Master 3rd Class on August 18, 1954. He returned home after his enlistment and took advantage of the GI Bill to attend Business College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. To cover other expenses, Ole took a part-time job at Sears in Fort Dodge but decided to commute each day from Bradgate to save expenses. As it turned out, others in the area were also commuting to Fort Dodge from the surrounding communities and that is how Ole met, fell in love and later married Shirley Ann Ackerman.

Ole and Shirley were married on the 24th of June, 1956 at First Lutheran Church in Shirley’s hometown, Gilmore City, Iowa by her uncle, Reverend Benjamin Ackerman.

Ole and Shirley would settle in Fort Dodge (albeit after a one-year experiment in Texas), both working full-time jobs while raising a family so they could afford to buy their first home. In fact, for much of the 1960’s, Ole worked full-time at the U.S. Post Office and part-time at the OK Tire Shop as a Service Technician. Ole would end up working the balance of his full-time career at the U.S. Post Office until an early retirement option was offered. Since Shirley was 6 years younger, Ole worked part-time at the dealership where Shirley and his son Jeff worked until she could join him in retirement.

Once both were retired, the couple enjoyed their retirement by exploring new areas. They first moved to Waukee, Iowa and then on to Cape Canaveral, Florida and landed most recently back in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Ole and Shirley had many passions, but none so important as their children, who enjoyed growing up in a new and idyllic setting through their graduation. Once the kids were older, Ole and Shirley, loved travelling to Las Vegas with their dear friends, Terry and Becky Prusha.

Ole and Shirley were inseparable throughout their marriage until health issues forced Ole into a care facility in April, 2020.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of 66 years; his children and their spouses: Robert and Cheryl Isacson, Cedarburg, WI, Kim and Bob Mckeehan of West Des Moines, IA and Jeff and Deanna Isacson of Menomonee Falls, WI; grandchildren, Jodie and Sean Lee, Ashley Isacson and Jeffrey and Asa Isacson; six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends also survive. He was proceeded in death by one grandson, Andrew Isacson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at West Des Moines Christian Church with visitation at 9:30 AM and church service at 10:30 AM. Committal will commence for the family at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 PM with military honors.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Karen Acres Health Center and Suncrest Hospice for their phenomenal care and patience with Ole.

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