Herman John "Johnny" Isernhagen
Jun 20, 1927 - Dec 15, 2010
Posted by: Jo Aguirre

Johnny was born in Bessie, Oklahoma, on June 20, 1927 to Herman Heinrich Georg Isernhagen and Anna Marie Intemann.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Esther Anna Isernhagen and Lucille Marie Isernhagen-Rosenberg.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy May Graumann-Isernhagen of Bethany; his sister, Elfrieda Sophie Isernhagen-Taylor of Wichita Falls, TX; daughters: Jan Motley and husband Gary of Bethany, Gail Thompson and husband Keith of Midwest City; sons: Rick Isernhagen and wife Mischelle of Lexington, KY; Brad Isernhagen and wife Kathy of Bethany; grandchildren: Heath Motley, Anna Motley-Lund and husband Jonathan, Nicholas Thompson and wife Jennifer, Melissa Thompson-Smith and husband Joseph, Blake Isernhagen, Laura Isernhagen, Stephen Isernhagen and Carol Ann Isernhagen.

Johnny graduated high school from Clinton/Cordell, Oklahoma, in 1945. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the 7th Infantry in Korea as chief clerk and as Chaplain's assistant from 1945-1947. He and Dorothy were married in Granite, Oklahoma, May 28, 1950. He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, in 1953 with a degree in music education.

In college, he was a member of Beta Tau Beta Fraternity. With a passion for music and for teaching, he instructed high school band and vocal music for ten years in Taloga, Guymon, Marlow and Hobart, Oklahoma. He then entered the banking field in 1960 at First National Bank of Hobart. He moved his family to Oklahoma City in 1961 and worked as a loan officer at Mutual Federal Savings and Loan. In 1969 he was Senior Vice President of First Federal Savings and Loan in Duncan, Oklahoma, and was transferred to the Norman office in 1972. He retired from the banking business in 1986 and began his own real estate appraisal company, Isernhagen Appraisal Services. After 23 years in Norman, he and Dorothy built a home and moved to Bethany in 1995. After his retirement at age 80, he was active as a volunteer for Integris Hospice. The family appreciates the kindness and excellent care he received while at Integris Hospice House. Johnny was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Bessie. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He enjoyed the Messiah men's breakfast devotional group on Thursday mornings. The family especially appreciates all the cards, thoughts and prayers he received from the men's group during his illness. In the 1960s he served as choir director at Messiah Lutheran Church and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. In the 1970s he served as choir director of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Duncan and Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman. He served the Lord with his love for music. Johnny also served the community as Secretary-Treasurer of the Lions Club 1961-1963, President of the Exchange Club 1966-1967, Kiwanis Club member, and President of the Oklahoma City Chapter of the American Savings and Loan Institute 1968-1969. Johnny was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He never met a stranger, as he would easily strike up a conversation with anyone present.

Viewing will be held Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Mercer - Adams Funeral Service.

The funeral will be held Monday, December 20, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, with graveside services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Bessie, Oklahoma.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Messiah Lutheran School, 3600 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112; or Integris Hospice House, 13920 Quailbrook Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73134