PRESQUE ISLE – Rev. Wilmot D. Kierstead 74, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, died early Sunday morning, Oct. 24, 2004, following a heart attack. He was born June 10, 1930, in Presque Isle, the son of Elery and Emma Kierstead. After graduating from Bridgewater Academy, Wilmot obtained his bachelor of arts in education at the Maine State Teachers College and his masters of arts at the University of Maine in Orono. Entering the field of education, Mr. Kierstead gave 37 years of dedicated service to MSAD No. 1. His accomplishments in this area were numerous including teaching, first principal of the Eva Hoyt Zippel School for 17 years, becoming Principal of the Year in 1975-76 (SEPA). Under the University of Maine in Presque Isle, Wilmot taught in the continuing education division for several years training aids and ushering in Modern math concepts. Mr. Kierstead served as a board member of the Full Gospel Assembly on Dudley Street for more than 40 years, playing the organ, accordion, singing and preaching. In 1968, a group was formed including Larry Gallupe, Merlin Cray, Wilmot and his daughter, Gayla as pianist. After traveling for a couple of years a recording was made entitled, The Gospel Messengers. He is known for his big smile that was as big as his heart. His love for the Lord caused him to reach out to people to help meet a need, lift a load, or just offer an encouraging word. For 13 years, Rev. Wilmot Kierstead pastored the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Monticello. Predeceasing him in addition to his parents is one brother, Willis Kierstead; and a son, David Lee Kierstead. Surviving him is his devoted wife, Gloria (Carmichael) Kierstead of Presque Isle; one daughter, the Rev. Gayla Rae (Kierstead) Maguire and her husband, the Rev. Donald Maguire of Bowdoin; three sons, Rev. Kevin Brian Kierstead, Clare Wayne Kierstead, both of Presque Isle, and Robert Merrill Kierstead and his wife, Corrie, of Fort Fairfield, along with several grandchildren. He surrounded himself with young people in his home and other areas including Y-Indian Guides, Royal Rangers and several years spent as counselor and teacher at Whited Bible Camp in Bridgewater. Relatives and friends may call 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Full Gospel Assembly on Dudley Street. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church with interment following at the Johnson Cemetery in Presque Isle. Because of his commitment to children, it is the family’s desire that in lieu of flowers donations in his memory be sent to Whited Bible Camp, P.O. Box 112, Bridgewater, ME 04735. Arrangements are in the care of the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home.
REV. WILMOT DAVID KIERSTEAD
