Mt. Pleasant honors life and legacy of Brent Schleisman

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant is mourning the unexpected death of longtime City Administrator Brent Schleisman, whose nearly four decades of public service left an indelible mark on city government and the community he knew as well as anyone.

  Buy Photo

Schleisman, who served at the local level for 38 years, died suddenly, stunning family, coworkers, elected officials and residents who had come to rely on his steady leadership and institutional knowledge. Known for his confident effectiveness and deep care for the people of Mt. Pleasant, Schleisman played a central role in shaping the city’s operations, finances and long-term vision.

“If you’re lucky in your life you’ll come across someone that profoundly affects you,” said Steve Engberg, a longtime coworker and friend of Schleisman. “I got to know and be friends with Brent Schleisman over 30 years ago.”

Engberg said Schleisman’s influence became especially clear after he joined the City Council.

“It’s when I joined the city council that I witnessed just how special he was,” Engberg said. “He was smart, visionary but above all caring. He cared for our city and its people.”

As city administrator, Schleisman worked closely with the mayor and City Council to implement policies enacted by elected officials. He directed and coordinated city departments, oversaw major projects, managed city finances and provided information essential to informed decision-making. His long tenure meant he worked alongside many of the same council members for years, fostering continuity, collaboration and stability within city government.

“He is responsible for the greatest parts of our town,” Engberg said. “He could stretch a dollar or find a dime when it was needed. The term ‘Schleisman math’ was thrown around often.”

His daughter, Elle Schleisman, echoed these sentiments as she unashamedly bragged on the impact her dad had on the community he loved. While she didn’t know the exact amount he brought in for the city in grants over the decades, she does know the impact was significant. The amount certainly included millions of dollars that went to good use with his help.

“I don’t think people know how much he did behind the scenes,” she said.

  Buy Photo

Schleisman also served on numerous boards and committees, including the Iowa Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee, the Main Street Board of Directors and the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Advisory Board. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, the International City/County Management Association recognized him for 30 years of dedication to local public service and professional management, a milestone in a career that ultimately spanned nearly 40 years.

Those who worked with Schleisman say his leadership style emphasized resilience and adaptability. When City Clerk Florence Olomon died in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, Schleisman reflected publicly on the challenge of losing a trusted colleague.

“Those people are tough to replace, I mean never replace them,” Schleisman said at the time. “You just modify yourself, your organization and your own personal life, and you try to get up and keep pushing forward. Sad day for Mt. Pleasant.”

For many, those words now resonate in the wake of his own death.

“This town would not be the same without him and will not be the same without him,” Engberg said. “Sadly, we lost Brent unexpectedly and suddenly. I will miss our many talks and time together. My life was enriched with [him] in it and [he’ll] always be missed.”

As of Monday, Dec. 15, those in the Mt. Pleasant city office were simply taking the time to mourn the loss of their coworker and friend before tackling next steps for filling the void left my Schleisman.

Outside of City Hall, Schleisman was a devoted husband to his wife, Suellen, and a loving father to their three children, Aaron, Elle and Irelen. He was known for his love of cooking, the outdoors and time spent with his family. A football fan who enjoyed fishing and had a sharp sense of humor, he carried the same generosity and warmth into his personal life that he showed in public service.

  Buy Photo

“He was the most genuine person in the world with a heart of gold,” Elle Schleisman said. “He was the funniest man, his silly jokes and bits could keep us laughing for hours. He is truly the most selfless person in the world, he gave everything he had to his family and to the town without ever asking for anything in return.”

As Mt. Pleasant begins to move forward without one of its most enduring leaders, Schleisman’s legacy remains woven into the city’s daily operations and long-term foundation.

“I, my family, and Mt. Pleasant will never be the same without him,” his daughter said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com