OraLee Wiseman

OraLee Fuller Wiseman was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on June 22, 1935. She joined the household of Dr. Orrin A. and Marie Fuller, her parents, and a 12 year old sister Loreen (Toothman). She died after complications of a weak heart.

She attended Washington Elementary for her first six years of schooling. Washington was located at North 5-Points, an easy walking distance. Her junior and senior high school years were spent in O’Leary Junior High and Twin Falls High School, located just north of the courthouse. Both schools were located in one red brick building. This area is now the location of the Twin Falls County Jail. Following high school, OraLee attended Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) from 1953-1955. While there she met “the love of her life”- Norman L. (Duke) Wiseman. They were married April 2, 1955, at the Twin Falls Methodist Church. In 1969, OraLee finally graduated from ISU. She completed study through extension classes from U of I, attending classes at Eastern Oregon College (LaGrande) and several summers at ISU.

Her early years, spent in Twin Falls, were filled with Methodist Church and school activities, many camping trips, and summer band concerts. Her father directed the city band for over 30 years. In fact, OraLee “learned” to read by filing music into the right folders on Friday mornings, after the concert the night before. She came by an interest in music by way of her father; they always had records playing. She sang in any group that would let her join, including church groups, school groups, and The Magic Valley Chorale. She often organized programs and social events- this lasted most of her life. OraLee’s love of reading was fostered by her mother, sister, and father; reading was a constant in her life. At various times she thought of being an author. She dabbled in leaving piles of tales, written down but never organized.

She taught kindergarten and first grade in Oregon and Idaho. She thoroughly enjoyed those years. The Wiseman family added Jeff, 1956, Andy 1957, Sam 1959, and Ann, 1964. Duke taught and coached in Mackey, ID, Echo and Pilot Rock, OR, and finished his teaching career in Twin Falls, in 1991. OraLee and the family were a part of all of these years. The Wiseman family also enjoyed camping, athletics, and the cabin on Deer Creek as much as possible.

In 1972, the family moved to the farm where she resided until her death. This was a whole new experience for this “town girl,” but it was a very fulfilling life. She learned to garden, preserve food, and help as needed around the farm.

OraLee liked to dress up in her early years. She enjoyed lots of glamorous clothes, jewelry etc. Duke had a great taste in fashion and bought her lovely items.

In 1982, the first grandchild was born. There are now 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. OraLee truly enjoyed her roles of mother and grandmother; her happiest times were when family were together. She often said she’d like to keep everyone here and protect them, like a mother hen.

Things she enjoyed besides family included cooking, gardening, sewing, entertaining, music, reading, watching her family grow and participating in various activities, crafts, and travel. She had the pleasure of traveling to Mexico, Europe, various major cities, and lots of day trips to the mountains, the coast, and places in between. The fact that OraLee and Duke shared their married life for 69 years was probably the thing that pleased her most. They always had a sense of romance in their lives – dancing in the kitchen as well as ballrooms. OraLee and Duke were true soul mates and always best friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Orrin A. Fuller, her mother, Marie L. Fuller, son, Jeffery Lynn Wiseman, and sister, Loreen Toothman. She is survived by her husband, Norman L. (Duke) Wiseman, son Andrew David and his wife Sally, son Samuel Curtis and his wife Charlotte, and daughter Ann Marie Monroe and her husband Jeff. She is additionally survived by 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Memorials are designated to the United Methodist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho or to the Twin Falls Municipal Band. The memorial service is scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2024, at the United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. A coffee and treat reception to follow at the church before the graveside service. 

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