Roger F. Isely, born May 15, 1933, to Willis and Leona Hefty Isely in Monroe, Wisconsin. In March 1936 they moved to a farm in Adams Township. He attended school between Puddledock school and Argyle High School in Argyle, Wisconsin. He was drafted into the Army in 1953. He was discharged in 1955 and started farming with his dad on the home farm until 1969. He then went into the excavating business known as Isely Excavating and retired in 2013. He worked part-time for Adams Township from 1955 to 2017 as a snowplow driver and road patrolman. In 1980, he married Carol Connors of Beloit, Wisconsin. She brought along four school age children. Kristine (Gerald) Wahl of Argyle, WI, Michelle (Scott) Hauser of Darlington WI, Brad Connors (Amy Crist) of Argyle WI, and Troy Connors of Black Earth WI. He also has 11 grandchildren: Hillary (Andy) Boeke, Cameron (Kelly) Wahl, Connor (Karissa) Wahl, Mia (Joe Denio) Wahl, Hunter (Mariah) Hauser, Hannah (Miles Steinhoff) Hauser, Cashton (Shayla Gould) Hauser, Brady (Lydia) Connors, Brianne (Jack Rindy) Connors, Whitney Connors, Lindsay Connors and 8 great grandchildren. In 2010, he married Dorothy Olson of Darlington WI. She had 4 grown children, Lisa (Ted) Sauer, Marshall, WI, Mark Olson, of Monroe, WI, Jon (Kelly) Olson, Monroe, WI and one son in law: Steve Voss of Madison WI.
Roger is survived by brothers: Eldon (Sally) of Plymouth, WI, Don (Paula) of Lancaster, PA, Alan (Iola) of New Glarus, WI; Sisters: Junice Shippee,of Lena, IL; Angie Dugan, of Wadena, Sask, Canada, Imogene (Craig) Wilner, of Summerville, OR; Sister-in-law, Ann Isely,of Madison, WI; brother in law Larry (Pat) Mason; and many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Carol in 2007 and his second wife Dorothy in 2021, brothers: Daryle and Erling; Sisters: JoAnne Bruehlman, Marlys Isely; Stepdaughter: Melody Voss; Stepmother: Charlotte; niece: Laurel Bruehlman and nephew: Gerald Bruehlman; brothers-in-law: John Shippee, Dan Dugan and John Bruehlman.
Roger enjoyed sudoku puzzles, jig saw puzzles, attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, flying a four-seater Sesna and downhill skiing. He was a lifelong member of the Argyle Lutheran Church, a member of the Argyle American Legion Post #251 and the Turn und Schwing Club later known as the Swiss American Gymnastics Club. On September 12, 2015, Roger had the privilege of attending the Honor flight, a day of great remembrance, comradery and support.
Roger was known for his witty and dry sense of humor even during the challenges throughout his life. Considered the original You Tuber, Roger could fix anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a great memory and enjoyed sharing stories of his youth. A man of deep and unwavering faith that demonstrated what he learned on a daily basis.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Argyle Lutheran Church with Rev. Daniel Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (801 Milwaukee St., Argyle) and on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank Matt Solverson M.D. of the Argyle Clinic, Agrace Hospice, Pastor Dan Bohlman, Granddaughters: Hannah and Whitney for the home care and friends and family for their phone calls and visits, it meant so much to Roger and his family.
