Dr. Edwin "Ed" Michael Kaiser

Dr. Edwin Michael Kaiser, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, age 85, passed away peacefully with his wife and children at his side on Sunday, October 29 after a fierce battle with cancer.

Dr. Kaiser was born October 15, 1938, to Edwin Carl and Mary (Harris) Kaiser in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended Fitch High School, where he met his lifelong love, Judith Boyer. They married November 7, 1959. They would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this year.

Dr. Kaiser earned his undergraduate degree at Youngstown State University in 1960 and Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry at Purdue University in 1964, followed by a postdoctoral research position at Duke University between 1964 and 1966. Dr. Kaiser was a longtime member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society. In 1966 he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri as an assistant professor, becoming a full professor in 1975. From 1984-1991 he served as the first Director of the Honors College. In 1991 he was awarded the William T. Kemper Fellow for Excellence in Teaching, the first cohort of Kemper recipients, the same year he was awarded the MU Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. He was named a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of organic chemistry in 1995 and became a Professor Emeritus in 2002. He expanded his love of teaching by including international students as a visiting professor at the University of East Anglia in the U.K. in 1991, and three semesters at University of the Western Cape in South Africa in 1992, 1997 and 2002. He was awarded a Fulbright lectureship at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, Botswana 2003-2004. Following his tenure at the University of Missouri, Dr. Kaiser served as an adjunct professor at Stephens College from 2006 to 2013. In 2018 he was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his contributions to leadership in science and higher education. Dr. Kaiser has taught organic chemistry to over 14,000 undergraduate students, oversaw successful dissertations of close to 20 graduate students, and was an advisor and mentor to countless students. He wrote extensively, contributing to approximately 90 scholarly articles for peer reviewed scientific journals and books.

Dr. Kaiser was deeply dedicated to giving back to the community and was civically involved throughout his life. Dr. Kaiser was involved with the City of Columbia and Boone County in numerous ways. He began his involvement with emergency services as a dispatcher in in the joint communications center and as a volunteer officer in the Columbia Police Reserves from 1970-1985, serving twice as its director from 1976-1978 and 1980-1984. Dr. Kaiser served on the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission between 1978-1979, and served on the City Council from 1985-1989, representing the 3rd Ward. Dr. Kaiser was also a voluntary consultant and emergency responder on Hazardous Material for local fire departments from 1980-1991. He developed a program for residents to safely dispose of their hazardous materials in cooperation with the City’s Solid Waste Utility, creating the Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Dr. Kaiser and his wife Judy were actively involved with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals for 16 years. In 2009 Dr. Kaiser was presented with the first Howard B. Lang Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the City of Columbia in recognition of 40 years of commitment to the Columbia community.

He was actively involved in the United Church of Christ, leading the move from its temporary site on campus to the new building at its current location. He served as its President from 1968-1971 and served on several statewide and local church committees.

Dr. Kaiser performed his last concert with the Columbia Community Band at their Christmas concert in December 2022. He had a passion for music that started at the age of 12, playing percussion with the Warren Junior Military Band in Warren, Ohio. He was a member of the Championship band from 1950-1957, and in 1954 he was part of the Mahoning County Ohio VFW Drum Quartet that won the national championship. He performed with the band Society Notes after high school graduation in 1957, playing jazz and contemporary music for weddings and other society events. This talent covered his tuition fees for his undergraduate schooling; the band was highly recognized in the Ohio Valley and he and Judy’s wedding night was spent with him performing for a previously booked event. He continued to play for the rest of his life. His love of music was shared with future generations of his family, resulting in a multitude of instrument players, singers and songwriters.

From riding camels in Egypt to kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, Dr. Kaiser and his wife Judy have enjoyed a life full of travel and adventure. They have visited all seven continents, including over 100 countries, and have lived in North America, Europe, and Africa. Despite their worldwide adventures, the most treasured trip was when they would pack up the car and travel to his favorite place, the family cottage in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, an annual time for relaxation and family. He highly treasured this time with his loved ones. Ed Kaiser is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judith (Boyer) Kaiser and his sister Karen Martin; His 5 children, thirteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Dr. Kaiser is preceded in death by his daughter Karenda and his parents.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels, 800 Hospital Dr. Columbia, MO 65201 or the Columbia Community Band www.ccbonline.org/Donate.

A visitation for Dr. Kaiser will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Columbia United Church of Christ, Columbia, MO, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.