Karen Lynn Giesler (age 69) passed away peacefully on the evening of November 16th, 2024 from complications caused by Glioblastoma. Karen had been diagnosed with the incurable form of brain cancer only five months prior.

Karen was born on May 29th, 1955 in Kirkwood, Missouri to parents Bob and Doris Kohler. She grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri with her two younger brothers Randy and Craig. She attended Kirkwood High School, where she was incredibly involved with the school and community. Upon graduation, she attended Stephens College where she received a bachelor's degree in Education. She would eventually achieve her Masters degree in Elementary Education from UMSL.

Karen met her husband Drew through church and they were married in April of 1981. They welcomed daughter, Leslie, in 1983 and son, Andrew, in 1985. Karen raised her children in her childhood home in Kirkwood, Missouri.

Karen's true passion was education. Her first role as an educator was a teacher at Villa Ridge elementary. She would eventually move to the Center for Creative Learning (CCL) in the Rockwood School District where should would teach for over 30 years. During her time at CCL, Karen would contribute to education far beyond her job title.

In 2006, Karen received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST is the highest award kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Along with the award came a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a trip to Washington D.C. Wanting to continue to make a national impact in education, Karen achieved the National Board Certification, the most respected professional certification available in education. After achieving certification, Karen went on to help develop the standards by which future recipients would be evaluated for National Board Certification. In 2012 she received the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education award. She was selected by a committee of top educators and business leaders.

Karen was an exceptionally caring daughter to her mother Doris. Karen spent the first two years of her retirement caring for her mother. Doris passed in February of 2024. Karen was also a loving grandmother (GiGi) to three grandchildren, Cole, Clara, and Clark Giesler. Her grandchildren will miss her babysitting dearly. She is survived by husband Drew, daughter Leslie, and son Andrew.

Glioblastoma is an incurable form of brain cancer. Once diagnosed, the typical lifespan is only 18 months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in hopes that we can one day eradicate this terrible disease.

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