Robert Stanley Iseman

Robert Stanley Iseman was born in Visalia and attended Visalia schools graduating from Mt. Whitney High School in 1956. He attended UC Santa Barbara and University of San Francisco. He was employed as a young man by his father, "Jack" Iseman, who owned G & I markets in Visalia. In 1959 the stores were sold to Mayfair Markets. The corporation moved to Hanford and opened as Iseman's Department Store. He left the family business in 1968, obtained his insurance license and worked for Lewis Insurance in Visalia and Guarantee Savings & Loan. He also helped open and close Gemco Department Store, then moved to Gottschalk's Electronics Department until his retirement.

Robert loved Japanese art and culture. He built a koi pond in his backyard raising some champion fish. After a few years the pond was removed and he started growing bonsai trees. His collection grew to over 60 trees. He was a member of the Santa Maria Bonsai Club and the Fresno Bonsai Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marc H. "Jack" Iseman and Lois C. Iseman, a daughter, Melissa Ann Iseman, and a sister, Nancy Ann Swanson. He is survived by wife, Janice Ruth Iseman, two daughters, Sally E. Vander Tuig (Duane) of Modesto, and Sharon R. Friesen (Tim) of Fresno; a brother, Herbert M. Iseman (Cathy) of Hanford, and a sister, Patricia I. Landgraf (Ray) of Carmichael. 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Dr. Shu-Dean Hsu and the nurses, especially Senovia, at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center for their loving care and concern. Also Dr. Gary Schiller, M.D., Professor and Director of Hematological Malignancy at UCLA Medical Center. Robert was also a life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Rosary services will be prayed at 6:00pm Tuesday, February 18, at Miller Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass is 10:00am Wednesday, February 19, at St Mary's Church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Charles Borromeo building fund, c/o The Catholic Church of Visalia, 506 North Garden Street, Visalia, CA 93291 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.