KU professor loved research, students
World-renowned paleontologist Roger Kaesler, a Kansas University professor for 40 years, exceptionally balanced his ground-breaking research and his role as a friendly mentor in the classroom.
“Where he saw an opportunity to mentor young scientists and help them along, he did it,” said Bob Goldstein, chairman of KU’s geology department and Kaesler’s longtime friend.
Kaesler, 70, died last weekend after suffering from a long illness.
He joined KU’s faculty in the geology department in 1965 after he earned a master’s degree and doctorate, both in paleontology, from KU. Other than teaching classes on paleontology and prehistoric life, Kaesler directed the KU Geology Field Camp in Canon City, Colo.
“It was his favorite place in the whole world, and he’s been all over the world,” his wife, Jerelyn, said.
Kaesler also was a curator at the KU Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center. In 1986, he became director of the Paleontological Institute and editor of the journal Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology.
“Basically, editing that made him the world authority on almost anything in invertebrate paleontology,” Goldstein said.
Kaesler’s specialty was studying fossils and the modern ostracods, a group of crustaceans related to lobsters and crabs.
He also was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and had earned the Geological Society of America’s Distinguished Service Award and the Haworth Distinguished Alumni Award for KU’s geology department.
Even with his academic and professional success, Kaesler enjoyed working with his students, Jerelyn Kaesler said.
“You could always interrupt him. That was a wonderful thing about him,” she said.
The 6-foot-4-inch, lanky professor had many hobbies and interests, including his pet Pug dogs. He took one to the office and field with him daily, including his most recent pet, Molly, Jerelyn Kaesler said.
Roger Kaesler had retired in 2006.
Other survivors include three children and two stepchildren.
KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway released a statement Thursday saying Kaesler was a “mentor and friend to countless students and colleagues.”
A memorial service is provisionally scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 4 at the KU Natural History Museum, Goldstein said.