George Martin Isken, age 86, of Cedar Grove, left this world on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Humble, kind, funny and generous – all who are blessed to have known him will remember him as a loving and peaceful man of the highest integrity.
George was born on July 3, 1934, in Lomira, WI to Arthur and Adela (Fischer) Isken. He was a graduate of Lomira High School. Upon graduation he began working for Continental Can Company where he continued to work until his retirement in 1986. A few years after beginning his working career he took a brief leave of absence to join the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of sergeant. He never spoke much of his experiences while fighting in the Korean War but there were times when it appeared to weigh heavy on his mind. Upon returning home from the service, he married Lou Anna Zamzow from Brownsville, WI. Together he and Lou Anna raised their six children until Lou Anna’s passing in 1998.
His faith in God was of utmost importance to him and it was reflected in the way he lived his life. His life was a true reflection of the two great commandments as described by Jesus in Matthew 22:35-40. Loving God and loving his fellow man was priority in his life and seemed to come naturally to him. He had a kind soul that was accepting of people from all walks of life. He was a long-time member of the Worldwide Church of God/Living Word Church of God where he served as an elder and a minister from 1999 to 2013. He was selfless in his passion for serving the church and was known for his compassionate service to the elderly and the youth. During his ministry, four of his children were blessed with the unique opportunity to be joined in marriage by their father.
Growing up during the depression as the oldest son in a family with eight children, he, like all of his siblings, learned the value of hard work given the passing of their father at a very young age. Working and servicing others from dusk to dawn exemplified and was a hallmark of his life. Despite his hard work, gathering of physical possessions was of little importance to him. He spent much of his time and financial resources in service and volunteer work. He was an amazing example and exemplary father to all of his children and he spent much of his time involved in their lives. For many years he served as a coach for his church’s flag football team, traveling youth basketball team and the scoutmaster for his sons’ Boy Scout troop. Through his children’s teenage years, he also was an advisor for the church’s youth group. He was known for his incredible spirit and commitment and spent many weekends traveling around the country for various youth outings. He loved to spend an afternoon on the golf course with his kids or watch a packer game with them while enjoying a malted beverage. Following his retirement, four of his sons also had the wonderful opportunity to work with him at each of their companies.
George again found companionship and added happiness in his life when he wed Jill Matheus on September 19, 1999. George loved maintaining their beautiful hobby farm together.
George is survived by his wife, Jill Isken of Cedar Grove; six children, Keith (Jean) Isken of Cedar Grove, Kevin (Sherry) Isken of Lake Barrington, IL, Michael (Sherry) Isken of Cedar Grove, Susie (Lyle) Huhn of Sheboygan, Daryl (Andi) Isken of Forney, TX, Matthew (Jodi) Isken of Cedar Grove; special nephew Chad (Grethe) Isken; fourteen grandchildren, Eric, Patrick, Amanda (Austin), Alex, Georgiana, Rylee, Jada, Dalton, and Breanna Isken. Tyler, and Dylan (Kayla) Huhn, Symantha (Philip) Zandelin, Kaylee and Lexi DeRuyter; two sisters, Dolly (Dave) Stuebs of Fond du Lac, Priscilla Perry of Waupun; brother-in-law, Wayne Batterman; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Adela Isken; first wife, Lou Anna Isken; two brothers, Ronald Isken, Donald Isken; three sisters, Carol Isken, Arlene Schilling, Kathryn Batterman; brother-in-law, DuWayne Perry. Private services will be held.
A memorial fund is being established in his name for Veterans Affairs.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Isken family with arrangements.
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