Leo & Janie Goeser

Leo James Goeser, son of Bruno and Mildred (Weiland) Goeser, was born March 13, 1933, in Defiance, IA. Mary Jane “Janie” Schleier, daughter of Frank and Lena (Dotzler) Schleier, was born January 13, 1935, in Defiance, IA. After serving in the United States Army, Leo attended barber school in Des Moines and on June 29, 1953, the two were united in marriage. Three children were born to this union, Stephen, Patricia and Nancy.

Leo served the Harlan community as a barber for an unprecedented 64 years. His barbershop was such a staple that it is memorialized at the Shelby County Historical Society. Janie worked at various jobs in Harlan including Morey’s clothing, CDS, and the Harlan Liquor Store. The two also owned Shear Magic beauty salon for a number of years. Leo was a long-time usher, and the couple were devout parishioners at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. 

Leo was an avid golfer, fan of Yankee baseball and a continued supporter of the Harlan Cyclones. He was a member of the football chain gang for 35 years before stepping down to allow someone else to enjoy the fun. Leo was an advocate for CPR after being saved by his “angel” and many staff at Myrtue Medical Center and enjoyed those extra years of life.

Janie enjoyed her birthday breakfast club, bridge clubs, Church Circle work, crochet, keeping busy with her various jobs, and was a good cook. If you were sick, you likely were getting a mean lasagna, and her taco dip was a staple. Janie was a two-time survivor of breast cancer.

The couple had many friends that they enjoyed socializing with and became regulars at “Taco Night” in Westphalia. Leo had a special drink that he liked and most places in town still know how to make “a Leo.” 

Leo died on March 25, 2021, after turning 88 years old. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Frank Goeser, Paul Goeser, and James Goeser. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Janie, and children, Stephen Goeser and his wife, Brenda, of Omaha; Patricia and her husband, Michael Rzewnicki of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Nancy and her husband, Curtis Bell of West Des Moines; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. There are now 13 great-grandchildren! Leo was also survived by siblings: Edward Goeser and wife Marilyn; John Goeser; Mary Griffin, who has since passed away; Theresa and her husband Lawrence Fedewa; Alice Goeser; Larry Goeser; sisters-in-law Debbie Goeser and Jan Goeser; nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends. The family knew that Leo was a beloved member of the community but the outpouring of love and stories since his death has been truly amazing. Everyone has at least one Leo story and they have been so fun to hear!

Janie died on January 7, 2025, just shy of her 90th birthday at the Hansen House Memory Care in Harlan. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sibling, Mildred. She is survived by her sister Joanne and her husband Allen Schaben and her brother-in-law, Louis Eckermann, as well as children and grandchildren listed above. In addition to her family, her Hansen House caregivers became her family for the last 3 ½ years and were constant companions who grew to love her feistiness. The family is truly indebted to the staff for their exceptional care of their mother during this difficult time. 

A joint celebration of life is planned for Leo and Janie at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan for March 24th at 11am with lunch to follow. The family has planned a private burial. Donations and offers of condolences can be directed to the family at this time.