Kimberlee Kay Gisler Obituary (1962 - 2022)

Kimberlee Kay Gisler, 59, of Porterville passed away on January 15, 2022, at Sierra View Hospital with her loving husband, Dave, by her side. In recent years, Kim overcame a battle with breast cancer and the tragic losses of immediate family members. Her unwavering strength and faith carried her through and is something that will be remembered by all. Kim was born on October 4, 1962, in Porterville to Helen and Earl Kennedy. Kim was a life-long resident of Porterville, a graduate of Monache High School, and attended Porterville Junior College. While working at Crocker Bank, she caught the eye of a young Porterville farmer, Dave Gisler. The couple soon married on October 8, 1983. This started a beautiful 38 year marriage full of passion for family and farming. Kim's positive attitude and resiliency were a gift in weathering the unpredictable lifestyle of a farmer. She was an impeccable bookkeeper for Gisler Farms which allowed Dave to concentrate on his crops. A highlight for Gisler Farms was the annual summer corn stand. Every operation needs a queen, and Kim wore the crown well. She often was referred to as the Corn Queen of the San Joaquin, or simply, the Corn Lady. With the warmth and love for her community, her faithful customers became fast friends. Kim's number one priority in her life was her family. She was readily available for news to celebrate or challenges to overcome. She thrived on being a relentless guide for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Kim didn't need to be asked to help. She was love in action. She never hesitated to find a way to help and was the most present and playful "Mimi" to her three grandchildren. If you needed a celebration planned, Kim was your expert. She excelled with projects that showcased her design and party planning skills, as her attention to detail was perfection. Kim was a very welcoming hostess, as she loved cooking and entertaining family and friends. It wasn't uncommon for her to be asked for her recipes after one of these gatherings, as she was an exceptional cook. Kim was an animal advocate her entire life. There was a soft spot in her heart for all animals. She was a past board member of the Tulare County Animal Control. She took her position with that organization very seriously and received great satisfaction in finding "forever homes" for animals in need. She never met a stray she didn't like. Kim was affectionately known as the "Dog Lady." Kim loved to travel. Her two favorite destinations were Shell Beach on the Central Coast and Ko'Olina, Hawaii. She loved being near the water and watching sunsets with family, as it was a very calming and memorable time for her. Preceding Kim in death were her parents, Earl and Helen Kennedy; sister, Connie and her husband Dave Morris. Kim is survived by her husband, Dave Gisler; sister, Judy Wright and her husband Tom; son, Matt Gisler and his wife Marci; and daughter, Katie Camarena and her husband Josh. Kim especially enjoyed being "Mimi" to her three cherished grandchildren, Luke and Cayson Gisler and Kennedy Camarena. The family would like to thank Dr. Vermuri, Dr. Kumar, and the wonderful nursing staff at Sierra View Hospital for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 9, at Porterville Church of the Nazarene at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Tulare County Animal Services, 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292.