Pauline S. Kaestle, 90, a lifelong resident of Lysander, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, after a long illness.  She was born in Syracuse on June 5, 1925, daughter of Swiss immigrant Sebastian Schmidt and wife Emma Schiesser Schmidt.  She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Herman Kaestle, three sisters, Lillian Lindenmayer, Helen Mills, and Ruth Vollmer. Born with a green thumb like her father, Pauline’s life work was devoted to family and managing a vegetable farm alongside her husband which required long hours and physical stamina.  The Kaestles were members of the Onondaga County Vegetable Growers Association for many years.
Surviving are her four children, Robert (Mary) Kaestle of Lysander; Nancy (Ron)  Chauncey of Blossvale; Sharon (Marty) Lachut of Fulton; and Tammy (Bill) Bednarski of Marcellus, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who were  all the loves of her life.
Though her battle with serious health issues was difficult at the end of her life, Pauline remained an “authentic” soul, high spirited and independent.  Her family and friends were the flowers in her garden, each one tended to with loving care.  Her spirit and the memories with which she left us will live in our hearts always!
Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, with a service set to follow at Gates Funeral Home, Inc., 29 W. Genesee St., Baldwinsville.  Burial is in Lysander Union Cemetery. Memorial Contributions would be welcome to: Make-A-Wish of Central NY Gift Processing Center, PO Box 97104, Washington, DC  20090-7104.