Duane Thomas Gissel

Duane Gissel, 69 years old, of Madison, Wisconsin, died Friday, February 2, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a long illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

The second son of Daryl ‘Bud' Gissel and Thomasine ‘Tommie’ Gissel, Duane was born December 16, 1954. Duane and his three siblings grew up on the family farm, and it was there that Duane developed a passion for the outdoors and for gardening.  

Duane graduated from Independence High School in 1973, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University in 1977. For the rest of his life, Duane was proud to don the Cyclone Red, especially when around the Black and Gold alumni of the University of Iowa.

While attending Iowa State, Duane met and fell in love with Ruth Arthur, a pastor’s daughter. They met at a horticulture convention and from there their love bloomed...forgive us, but Duane loved a good pun. 

They were married in May 1978. At the end, Ruth selflessly lived out their marriage vows as Duane's primary caregiver, ensuring his comfort in their home. They raised two children, Sarah and Thomas. Duane loved being a father and was very proud of his children's accomplishments. 

Duane worked in many different areas of horticulture over his career, from managing privately owned garden centers in Lincoln, Nebraska, Stevens Point, Wisconsin and Davenport, Iowa, to managing and opening Lowes Garden Centers in the Midwest. He served as the horticulturist for the Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Quad Cities Botanical Garden. The last 15 years of his career focused on education with the Scott County Iowa State Extension office in Bettendorf, Iowa. One of his many responsibilities was the Master Gardener Program. Sharing his passion and knowledge of gardening with the community brought him great joy.

The family were devoted Lutherans and Duane enjoyed various Bible studies, both in mens groups and couples. He attended Bible Study Fellowship and Promise Keepers. Duane loved working in his gardens, both vegetable and flowering. The backyard of the Gissel home in Bettendorf was worthy of a home and garden magazine cover and was something Duane was very proud of.

Duane is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Sarah (Tim) Lundquist of Waunakee, Wisconsin; and son, Thomas Gissel (partner, Michelle Canada) of St Paul. Minnesota.

He is survived by 2 grandchildren, Henry (12) and Olivia (10) Lundquist, as well as his brothers, Gary and Dean Gissel, and his sister, Gretchen Gissel.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.   

Duane’s family is especially grateful for the care and support provided by Agrace Hospice.

Memorials can be sent to: Agrace Hospice, Madison, WI

Master Gardener Program c/o Scott Co Extension Director

875 Tanglewood Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722