Gale M. Bissell
Gale Marie Bissell, 90, of Monona, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Elkader Care Center in Elkader. She was born Feb. 28, 1935, to Eldon Frederick and Ella Henrietta Anna (Koopman) Kurth. Gale graduated from Farmersburg High School in 1953.
On Nov. 10, 1953, Gale was united in marriage with John W. “Jack” Bissell at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg. To this union eight children were born.
Gale worked at the wire plant for many years, cooked at different restaurants and worked at Walmart for a short time. Gale was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was active in the choir and enjoyed singing. She also served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher for many years and was a Girl Scout leader, giving her time and heart to guide young girls in their growth.
A lifelong lover of learning, she enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. She was known as a great cook and loved hosting family gatherings—especially during deer camp season. She had a quiet and gentle nature, with a deep appreciation for family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren.
Her hobbies included gardening, especially tending to her flowers, and she found joy in playing cards, board games and quilting. She also loved attending sports events and cherished every moment with her family. Her legacy of love, faith and kindness will live on in the lives she touched.
Survivors include her children, Jerry (Darlene) Bissell of Postville, Cindy (Danny) Hertrampf of Cassville, Wis., Marty (Robin) Bissell of Monona, Kristy Meier of Marion and Mary Bissell of Monona; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Dorothy Becker, La Von Germann, Elaine Doerring and Marilyn Hackett; and one brother, Eldon Kurth.
Gale was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Bissell on Sept. 28, 2007; her parents; two sons, John Bissell Jr. and Bradley Allen Bissell; daughter, Wendy and Clay Yearous Gress; two grandsons, Jeremy and Bradley Bissell; sisters, ElDonna and Lyle Looby and Marlene and Roland Doerring; sister-in-law, Linda Kurth; and brothers-in-law, Joe Becker, Walter Germann, James Doerring and Herb Hackett.
A visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona,. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona is assisting the family with services.
