Remembering ‘Cal’ Wiseman, 1929-2019

Family and friends are remembering longtime West Seattle business owner “Cal” Wiseman, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Austin Calvin (“Cal”) Wiseman was born in Carthage, South Dakota on August 4, 1929 to parents Austin L. and Ellen Wiseman. Cal suddenly passed away February 13, 2019 surrounded by family members.

Cal graduated from Madison High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future bride Joyce. Cal and Joyce (nee Johnson), married May 23, 1950 in Madison, South Dakota.

Cal served his country during the Korean Conflict in the South Dakota National Guard. First stationed at Camp Carson in Colorado, and later deployed “overseas” to Alaska.

Cal moved his growing family to Seattle in 1953. He then had an extensive career in Appliance Sales and Service as the founder and former owner of the still-operating Wiseman Appliance in West Seattle. He was a member of the Elks, and various West Seattle organizations. Cal was well-known and beloved throughout the West Seattle community. He was always quick to laugh and joke with everyone he met. He had a passion for family events, travel, personalized license plates, hats, fishing, spending time at the lake. Cal was always the first to help where he could. He loved his home on Alki.

Cal is survived by Joyce, his wife of 68 years, daughter Paula (Billy) Small of Renton, Sons: Daniel of Seattle, Stephen of Kirkland, Craig of Seattle, Scott of Seattle and Mark of Des Moines; brother Arlin Wiseman of Federal Way, and sister Donna Smith of Glenwood, IA. In addition, Cal is survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Cal will be dearly missed by all of his friends and loved ones.

A private interment will follow at a later date at Tahoma National Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please (go here).

In lieu of sending flowers, remembrance donations may be sent to St. Bernadette Parish, Elks Lodge of Burien, or Seattle Children’s Hospital, and would be most appreciated by the family.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

6 Replies to "Remembering 'Cal' Wiseman, 1929-2019"

  • miws February 22, 2019 (2:08 pm)

    Condolences to the Wiseman Family. Although I’ve never had personal experience with them, I know that both Cal’s Appliance Store and son Dan’s Appliance Repair are very beloved and highly recommended by many in the West Seattle Community…—Mike 

  • Alki resident February 22, 2019 (2:34 pm)

    I’m so sorry to hear this .What a wonderful man he was. 

  • Dunno February 22, 2019 (5:14 pm)

    Even after his so called retirement he was in the store everytime I happened to enter.   So helpful, and even if he didn’t have wat you were looking for, would go the extra mile to help you find it.  A real West Seattle Icon.  Lucky to still have his son Scott servicing my appliances when needed.He will be missed by many!

  • Mj February 22, 2019 (5:33 pm)

    Sorry to hear this, over the years I have bought several appliances from the Wiseman’s.  Hope his legacies continue the good work.

  • miws February 22, 2019 (5:38 pm)

    My apologies for “misspeaking” above. Dunno’s comment makes me realize that I meant Scott as having the repair service.—Mike

  • just wondering February 23, 2019 (8:29 am)

    We bought our refrigerator and washer and dryer from Wiseman’s.They got them all into our small 1931 West Seattle house!  And took out the old appliances too! 

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