Elvin Fisk, 85, of New Sharon, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.
Elvin Theodore Fisk, son of Theodore Daniel and Pauline (Dimit) Fisk, was born August 13, 1940, in Montezuma, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm near Searsboro and graduated from New Sharon High School in 1958. Elvin loved the family farm, but he also yearned for adventure and to serve his country; he knew the Navy would satisfy both needs and persuaded his dad to let him enter the Navy at 17. During his 20 years in the Navy, he served on five ships under two admirals and completed three tours in Vietnam in 1970, 1971, and 1973. He served as a radioman, an expert in Morse Code.
In 1968, while serving in Hawaii, Elvin met Caroline Clark. On November 24, 1969, he was joined in marriage to Caroline and five children, soon to be their forever large family. In 1972, their youngest child was born, making it a family of 8.
The family returned to Iowa in 1972, while awaiting Elvin’s Naval retirement on August 31, 1977. In 1978, they moved to the Fisk farm, where he was raised. Although they loved their Navy life, life on the farm was their true love together. From that time until 2007, Elvin farmed in addition to working at the New Sharon Co-op from 1978-1984, for Poweshiek County from 1984 – 2004, and New Sharon Cargill from 2004 – 2010.
Although Elvin had retired from the Navy, he was a true patriot and cherished the time he served his country. He was sincerely grateful for the opportunities to travel and the family that his time in the service allowed him to meet and embrace. His home was filled with his Navy relics, and he proudly wore his Navy attire when appropriate. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Coffin-Miller Post #446 in New Sharon and served as its commander for five years. He served the post’s Honor Guard, providing countless honors to his military brothers.
Early in Elvin’s life, he enjoyed fishing with friends and later with his wife and children in rivers and farm ponds. He was an expert at crossword puzzles and only did them in ink. Elvin loved history and was an amazing storyteller; his recall of dates and details was nothing short of phenomenal. Elvin’s faith was an integral part of who he was; he gave his life to the Lord in 1980. His family will remember him as the kindest, soft-hearted, and patient man they ever knew.
His family includes his wife, Caroline of New Sharon; his children: Jody Conger- deceased, Cheryl (Scot) Fynaardt of Oskaloosa, Diane (Ed) Savage of Pella, John (Elisha) Fisk of Knoxville, Tim (Kelly) Fisk of Portland, Oregon, and Ann-Marie Fisk of New Sharon. He is also survived by his Hawaii Hanai Ohana (adopted Hawaiian family): Ronald (Sheri) Lee, Brian (Gail) Lee, Wyatt (Andrea) Lee, Brenda (Shilo) Lopes, Desiree (Isaac) Navarro, and Chad (Leonice) Lee; these children gave Elvin the name, Pohaku, meaning Rock. Elvin was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Shirley Albough of Ottumwa, and one niece and three nephews.
In addition to his parents, Elvin was preceded in death by a daughter, Jody Conger; a grandson, Andrew Robinson; and a great-grandson, Treyton Robinson.
Funeral Services for Elvin will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Joe Goemaat of the Taintor Community Church officiating. The family will greet visitors from 9-11 a.m. before the service. Oskaloosa Honor Guard will present Military Honors. As was his wish, Elvin’s body will be cremated following the service, and his ashes will be scattered at sea near Makua Beach, Hawaii. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Sharon Fire Department.
