Kathleen Keisner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Kathleen Anne O’Bryan Keisner, 87, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 9, 2021 after a long and full life. She was one of eleven children, growing up on a farm in St. Paul, KS.

She attended Loretta Heights College in Denver, CO and went on to complete her teaching degree at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS.

For 25 years, she dedicated her life to teaching students at Irving Elementary in Joplin, MO. 

Her creativity shone in the classroom. She was known for her storytelling and her ability to make even the most boring school tasks seem fun. Kathleen was a naturally talented teacher who truly enjoyed her profession. She was a champion for all children, and touched the lives of all who passed through her classroom.

She was a whip-smart, strong, caring and kind woman who served as the matriarch of her boisterous and loving family that was crafted in her image. To her children, she was a thoughtful and caring mother. To her grandchildren, she was “Nana K”, the grandmother who fueled imagination and kept everyone laughing whether she meant to or not. She told the best version of the fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin and at times, called the grandkids “you little dickens”. 

To her grandchildren who lived locally, she played a special role. A couple of days each week, she would pick them up from school, grab ice cream, and enjoy conversation and quality time. She had an unbelievable knack for making each of her grandchildren feel special and loved. 

Some of her favorite things: hosting holidays at her home for her whole family, picnics, early morning trips for coffee, tomatoes, pecans, fashion shows, using different versions of her first name (Katy, Kathy, Kathleen, Kate, K), making up her own words to songs, staging plays for the grandkids, her collage wall of family pictures, decorating, working in her yard, and having her family together.

Kathleen never left the house without red lipstick on. An avid reader of Vogue magazine, she always stayed on top of the latest trends. Her closets were filled with designer handbags and high heels and she gladly gave them away to daughters and granddaughters.

Kathleen Anne O’Bryan Keisner was one of a kind. Everyone that knew her had a different attribute they loved about her. She was strong, kind, and she loved fiercely. On occasion, she would share lessons she’d learned throughout her life that ranged from “always share your honest opinion” to “never overwater your orchids”. She had a remarkable ability to bring a smile to people’s face and to make the dullest parts of life enjoyable. Kathleen was our mother, our sister, our grandmother, our friend, and our gift. Her love and her light will never fade.

Her lively spirit is carried on by her five children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and the hundreds of children she dedicated her life to teaching.

Kathleen Anne O’Bryan Keisner was the daughter of Margaret and Ed O’Bryan of St. Paul, KS. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keisner. Kathleen is survived by her five children – Kim (Angela) Keisner of Bentonville, AR; Karla Keisner Childs of Joplin, MO; Kelley (Jack) Keisner Bentley of Tulsa, OK; Kevin (Mona) Keisner of Naperville, IL; Katy (Dave) Keisner Harrison of Fayetteville, AR – as well as her eight grandchildren: David Keisner of Little Rock, AR; Tyler Childs of Los Angeles, CA; Andrew Childs of Los Angeles, CA; Rob Bentley of Tulsa, OK; Mary Kate Harrison of Little Rock, AR; Brooke Bentley of Tulsa, OK; Beth Anne Jones of Little Rock, AR; Jonathan Keisner of Naperville, IL – and her three great-grandchildren: Henry Keisner of Little Rock, AR; Cameron Keisner of Little Rock, AR; and Vivian Childs of Los Angeles, CA.

The family has decided to honor Kathleen Keisner’s life commitment to education by supporting the Golden Apple Award. If you wish to also contribute, please send to:

Kathleen Keisner Memorial Fund
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (JACC Foundation)
Golden Apple Award
320 East 4th Street
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-4150