Jan Gisholt

Jan Gisholt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, dies at 94

Jan Gisholt, whose kindness, intelligence, and sense of integrity touched all who knew him, passed away peacefully at age 94.

Born in Norway, Jan carried with him a love of family, community, and the outdoors throughout his life. With the steadfast support of his wife, Bjorg, he built not only a successful career but also a home filled with laughter, love, and traditions that continue through their children and grandchildren.

Jan’s professional journey brought him from Norway to the U.S., where he eventually founded Gisholt Shipping. But to those who knew him best, his true legacy was not in business, but in the relationships he nurtured—with colleagues, friends, and especially with family. He was admired for his integrity, his story-telling, and his gift for seeing potential in both people and opportunities. Jan was an avid player of all kinds of sports and games, from his beloved bridge to his obsession with golf, to learning to telemark ski in his 50s, to taking up rollerblading in his 60s.

Jan and Bjorg raised their family in Old Greenwich, CT with weekends spent in Vermont where they enjoyed many friends and were active participants in Londonderry’s Second Congregational Church. After retiring, Jan and Bjorg settled in Vermont, where they played golf together nearly every day, enjoyed bridge, and embraced the outdoors. A true Norwegian at heart, Jan continued skiing into his late eighties.

Family was at the center of Jan’s life. Holidays, ski trips, and summer gatherings brimmed with warmth, humor, and togetherness. He delighted in watching his seven grandchildren grow, and he cherished the simple joy of being surrounded by those he loved.

Jan is survived by his devoted wife Bjorg; his sons Paal and Jan; daughters-in-law Jill and Hara; and seven grandchildren, Morgan, Chandler, Alden, Lyla, Philip, Kai and Nikolas. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their families, and brother-in-law in Norway whom he has remained very close to over the years. He will be remembered not only for his pioneering work but more enduringly for his generosity, humor, and the unwavering love he gave to his family.

If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in Jan's memory to the Londonderry Second Congregational Church, 2051 N Main St, Londonderry, VT 05148, Tel. (802) 824-6453 or to the charity of your choice.