Liesel was born to Walter and Elizabeth in Germany in 1935. Perhaps sensing a change of tides, the family, including Liesel’s older brother, Peter, left the country. They were questioned about their exit by the Gestapo as they boarded their ship. Back in America, Peter and Liesel were raised and educated in Cleaveland, Ohio.
Liesel graduated from Wells College and went on to Yale University where, while studying philosophy, she met a scholar named Erling. When he completed his Ph.D. in philosophy, they wed and moved to Nevada to start their family.
Together, Liesel and Erling built a family of seven children, two of whom they adopted — one from Korea and the other off an Indian reservation. After suffering the loss of a young son, Per Anders, they moved to Maine, luring their children with the promise and delivery of snow.
Liesel loved chaos. She wrote children’s books when not acquiring goats, chickens, guinea pigs, many dogs and cats, and her spiritual love, horses.
While her work was being published, she enjoyed nothing better than to go to schools and read to circles of rapt children.
When folks think of Liesel they will think of her strength, love, stubbornness, humor, her beer at lunch, and long evenings on the deck in front of a roaring fire. They will remember her generosity, spiritualism, determination and ferocity. Who else but Liesel would teach herself Aramaic so she could study the Bible in its original language? Who but Liesel would master computers and compete in dressage? Liesel discovered the love of travel and booked trips all over the world — her favorite spot the Old City of Jerusalem. We believe she is there now, back home.
Liesel’s beloved Erling passed-over in 2004; their sons, Peter Kim in 1991 and Andrew Perry in 2012. Left with her legacy are Kirsten and her husband, Derrick; Paul and his wife, Brigit; Beret and her husband, Rick; Kate and her husband, Bjorn; Liesel’s brother, Peter and his wife, Polly; and her niece Libby. With deep joy and profound admiration, Liesel loved her grandchildren: Sam, Hanna, Per, Kate, Ben, Jana, Rye, Miles and Tess.
Until her final moments on this earth, Liesel and her beloved dogs were cared for in her home with great love, compassion, and dignity by her friends at Aging Excellence.
A memorial service will be held May 25, at 2 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 1100 Washington St., Bath.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church, Bath, Minister’s Fund; or Poetry Out Loud (www.poetryoutloud.org).
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath.
Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.
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