Herman Ernst Kiesling

Herman Ernst Kiesling, 84, passed away in San Angelo on Monday, July 25th after a brief illness. He was born on January 23, 1938, in the Klattenhoff Community of Tom Green County to Willie and Emma (Wolf) Kiesling. Herman was born into a large German family with dozens of cousins. He formed close relationships with his many cousins and enjoyed their annual family reunions. He graduated from Miles High School, where he played on the football team and was active in the Future Farmers of America. Herman worked various farm jobs in high school, milking cows and feeding cattle. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University. After graduation, he married Sarah Lee Sofge and the couple lived in Talpa, TX, where Herman managed the local feed store. Later, he taught vocational agriculture at Fluvanna High School where daughters Sherry and Terry were born. Herman earned his master’s degree at New Mexico State University and his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition at Oklahoma State University. Herman continued his professional career at Taylormade Feeds in Las Cruces, NM and then at New Mexico State University where he was on the faculty of the Animal Science Department and served as an advisor to several student organizations within the College of Agriculture. Herman shared his agricultural knowledge with his daughters who participated in the local fairs and stock shows by showing junior livestock. He and Sarah taught their daughters the value of hard work during those years by getting up early to help work the animals and get them ready for the fair. He taught the girls to shear sheep and castrate hogs but was frustrated that he could never teach them to successfully back up a trailer. Herman participated in Farmer-To-Farmer exchange programs to China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. He really enjoyed his oversees travels and the experiences meeting farmers in other countries. After retirement from NMSU, Herman continued to share his knowledge of animal nutrition by consulting with various feedlots and dairies, primarily in Mexico. He and Sarah moved to San Angelo where they joined the many Kieslings who still lived in the area. Herman and his brother Lee Roy enjoyed fixing up old tractors and a Model A Ford that once belonged to their grandfather. Having served in the Texas Army National Guard, Herman became involved in the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans in San Angelo. He was part of a team that was responsible for bringing back the San Angelo Veteran’s Day Parade. Herman and Sarah were also active in the Business Men’s Bible Class and the Lion’s Club. Herman enjoyed being a grandparent to two granddaughters, Abbi and Reagan. He loved their childhood visits to San Angelo when he’d pull them endlessly around the backyard in a little red wagon or give them rides in the Model A Ford. Herman is survived by Sarah, his wife of 59 years, daughters Sherry Fox and Terry Kiesling, granddaughters Abbi Bristow and Reagan Fox, and sister Willene Lagrimenta. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Patricia Tankersley (Leamon) and Helen Wilde, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Lee Roy Kiesling, sister-in-law Betty Kiesling, brother-in-law Bill Lagrimanta and son-in-law Bryan Fox. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4th at 10 am at Harper Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 11 am. Herman will be buried at Miles Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Miles Cemetery Association.