Kirby Iselt, a life-long resident of Texas was an avid student of history, including his own. He was born July 13, 1939 to Ellen (Hoppe) and Lester Iselt in Bellville Texas. The timing of his birth and fascination with his family in the military evoked an intense passion for all things WWII. As he grew older, he amassed a collection of military antiques that he treasured and displayed privately and publicly. Coupled with his incredible sense of history and geography, Kirby delighted in having hearty discussions of war battles.
In addition to history, Kirby spent many years in service both to his country and his community. He actively served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961; his duty in Gelnhausen was extended as the Berlin Wall was constructed. He particularly enjoyed his time in Germany because it allowed him to locally explore his family's genealogy. Kirby spent 32 years in educational leadership where he had significant influence on many high school students in the Spring Branch, Klein, Spring, and Katy districts. He also played an active role in the Boy Scouts of America as a leader and participant of service projects. In later years, Kirby delighted in interviewing potential candidates for Boys' State for American Legion Post 164.
Kirby deeply loved his family and the traditions that were celebrated. He adored his son Kurt whom he had with his first wife Carol and later embraced Kurt's wife Chia Lun Chung and their children Kai and Mei Ellen. After his marriage to Claudia in 1988, Kirby became a loving and involved stepfather to Bruce and his son Austin as well as to his step daughter Angela and her husband Nic. Kirby was a gentle giant of a man to all who were close to him leaving a positive imprint on their lives.
As a man of God, Kirby found spiritual strength at Lakewood church - not only from the services but from the dedicated compassionate members who befriended him.
Kirby often fashioned himself as a raconteur as well as a great joke teller. The Multiple System Atrophy that attacked Kirby's body in recent years limited his movement and verbal ability. Through it all, he maintained his sense of humor and his love of God, family, history and service.
The family requests that you send gifts to the American Legion Katy Post 164 In Kind Scholarship Program for Boys State.
Friends are invited to visitation with the family on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm at the New Ulm Cemetery, New Ulm, TX. click picture below to leave a memory.
The most aawesome principal ever. When I started teaching in SBISD years ago, he was definitely on my mind. He was always there for his students. God bless you.
Mr. Iselt was one of the few seemingly compassionate and sane adults in WHS administration in those days. He was kind and worked hard to help all of the kids. I remember him calling me into the office when one friend looked like he was going to drop out of school. He really cared, and was a wonderful man.
Just reinforcing Kate's point that Kirby Iselt was a reasonable soul. Years after we graduated I was talking to my mother (Marian Griffiths), who had taught at Westchester, and she related how he much he was respected by the other teachers. Sometimes we rememeber the people who were outrageous and not the people who are thoroughly decent. Sorrry to hear he has passed...
Sadly—I was unable to attend Mr. Iselt’s memorial to pay my respects. Like many of you, I perceived him as a unique and inspiring principal, who cared about all of us—whether we were the epitome of good or a bit on the rebellious side. Lucky for us, he was a very gentle (and like others before me stated, reasonable) man who thankfully was very slow to anger and who possessed an ever present engaging spirit. A truly compassionate and kind “gentleman” with a welcome smile, moderately stern nature (from large issues to my ever present short skirt ones), consistent demeanor, and who during the turbulent 70’s, always treated us all both fairly and with respect. Often amused by our antics, it seemed he found it easy to communicate with even those of us who made communication a difficult endeavor. In my opinion, he played such an integral role in that phase of our lives—giving bits of advice, exhibiting great school spirt, and always being there to render support as needed. We were all so very blessed to have him champion the class of 1973 as we traversed through our high school years and it was evident that he too appeared to thoroughly enjoy our awesome journey. Both he and his passion for WWS and all that it entailed will be greatly missed!
Anyone who doesn't have a warm happy memory of Mr. Iselt must have totally slept through high school. The other memories already stated are spot on. I remember how utterly thrilled he was when his son Kurt was born. Never before, never since was there a more proud dad! I always had the feeling he thought of us as his kids and that he was proud of us too.
I have very fond memories of Kirby. He was an awesome principal and a wonderful role model. He was always kind and understanding - a gentle giant. I was able to attend his memorial service. It was a wonderful tribute to a great guy. Kirby's family honored his memory in a beautiful way. Fortunately, through my friendship with our classmate Mike Matejek, I became reacquainted with Kirby later in life, and thoroughly enjoyed getting reunited with him. Kirby was still a very kind and friendly guy. I will hold on to those fond memories of him.
Like my fellow classmates, I have fond memories of Kirby Iselt. We were fortunate to have teachers and principals that cared for us. Educators hold my highest regard; they have amazing opportunities to support and shape young lives. Heavenly days, the are not motivated by money but by the hope to make a difference. Rest in peace dear soul. Jessica
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Mary Patricia Allday (Coker) (1973)
The most aawesome principal ever. When I started teaching in SBISD years ago, he was definitely on my mind. He was always there for his students. God bless you.
Kate Merrill Lawrence (Hunnicutt) (1973)
Mr. Iselt was one of the few seemingly compassionate and sane adults in WHS administration in those days. He was kind and worked hard to help all of the kids. I remember him calling me into the office when one friend looked like he was going to drop out of school. He really cared, and was a wonderful man.
Jeffrey Kennedy Griffiths (1973)
Just reinforcing Kate's point that Kirby Iselt was a reasonable soul. Years after we graduated I was talking to my mother (Marian Griffiths), who had taught at Westchester, and she related how he much he was respected by the other teachers. Sometimes we rememeber the people who were outrageous and not the people who are thoroughly decent. Sorrry to hear he has passed...
Candace Lynn Mosley (Stephens) (1973)
Sadly—I was unable to attend Mr. Iselt’s memorial to pay my respects. Like many of you, I perceived him as a unique and inspiring principal, who cared about all of us—whether we were the epitome of good or a bit on the rebellious side. Lucky for us, he was a very gentle (and like others before me stated, reasonable) man who thankfully was very slow to anger and who possessed an ever present engaging spirit. A truly compassionate and kind “gentleman” with a welcome smile, moderately stern nature (from large issues to my ever present short skirt ones), consistent demeanor, and who during the turbulent 70’s, always treated us all both fairly and with respect. Often amused by our antics, it seemed he found it easy to communicate with even those of us who made communication a difficult endeavor. In my opinion, he played such an integral role in that phase of our lives—giving bits of advice, exhibiting great school spirt, and always being there to render support as needed. We were all so very blessed to have him champion the class of 1973 as we traversed through our high school years and it was evident that he too appeared to thoroughly enjoy our awesome journey. Both he and his passion for WWS and all that it entailed will be greatly missed!
Susan Kathryn Haller (Kucera) (1973)
Anyone who doesn't have a warm happy memory of Mr. Iselt must have totally slept through high school. The other memories already stated are spot on. I remember how utterly thrilled he was when his son Kurt was born. Never before, never since was there a more proud dad! I always had the feeling he thought of us as his kids and that he was proud of us too.
David "Dave" Douglas Mann (1973)
I have very fond memories of Kirby. He was an awesome principal and a wonderful role model. He was always kind and understanding - a gentle giant. I was able to attend his memorial service. It was a wonderful tribute to a great guy. Kirby's family honored his memory in a beautiful way. Fortunately, through my friendship with our classmate Mike Matejek, I became reacquainted with Kirby later in life, and thoroughly enjoyed getting reunited with him. Kirby was still a very kind and friendly guy. I will hold on to those fond memories of him.
Jessica Spence Wall (McCune) (1973)
Like my fellow classmates, I have fond memories of Kirby Iselt. We were fortunate to have teachers and principals that cared for us. Educators hold my highest regard; they have amazing opportunities to support and shape young lives. Heavenly days, the are not motivated by money but by the hope to make a difference. Rest in peace dear soul. Jessica