Karla Kay Kaestner

Graveside funeral services for Karla Kay Kaestner, 77, of Knoxville, formerly of Newton, will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Cemetery at Mystic, Iowa. Karla’s wish was to have a nice simple service. Memorials may be made to Helping Hands of Knoxville. Cards may be sent to Dick Kaestner in care of Pierschbacher Funeral Home, 202 E. Washington St., Knoxville, IA 50138.

Born in southern Iowa on November 10, 1946, to Carl and Cynthia (Teater) Hamilton, Karla Kay grew up in Plano, Iowa and attended Seymour High School, then later graduated from Newton High School and went on to attend classes at the DMACC campus at Newton.

On a summer night while in high school and cruising the square in Centerville she met Dick Kaestner. They were married a short time after meeting on September 29, 1962. They were blessed with 61 years together and two sons: Faron and Kevin.

Karla and Dick made their home in Newton for 37 years where they raised their boys. She worked for the Gas Company in Newton after finishing school until retiring in 1994. That was the year Dick retired and she wanted to enjoy their time together with family.

Family was her greatest joy! She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the perfect grandma, always having fresh baked goodies, cookies, and candy at her home. And her home was fully decorated for every holiday for the family to enjoy.  Karla loved to read and spent many evenings with a good book. They moved to Knoxville in 2002 to be closer to family and grandchildren. Karla was very loving and caring towards not only her family, but to all the special people in her life.

She was determined in everything she did, and after having a fall a few years ago she was told it was unlikely she would walk again, but through her determination and hard work, she certainly did walk again.

Karla passed away suddenly at her home on December 18, 2023. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 61 years, Dick Kaestner; sons: Faron (Lana) Kaestner and Kevin (Kerry) Kaestner; grandchildren: Chelsea Sanders, Ben (Katherine) Kaestner, Luke Kaestner, Kyle Kaestner, Maty Kaestner; great grandchildren: Roxy, Jackson, Paige, Patrick, and Rosie; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Carl Hamilton and Cynthia Faye Hamilton; brothers: Gail and Teddy Hamilton.