Former Erlen Group chair dies at 86

provided by Erlen Group

Kathleen A. Griesemer died Dec. 2.

Kathleen A. Griesemer, who previously served as board chair of the Erlen Group, has died.

Griesemer, 86, died Dec. 2, according to her obituary posted to GormanScharpf.com. Her cause of death was not disclosed in the obituary.

Griesemer served on the Erlen Group board 1994-2008 following the death of her husband and company president, John N. Griesemer, a memorial notice provided by Erlen Group states. Her obituary indicates she was the board chair until 2008.

"Kathleen’s steady hand helped the company navigate the uncertainty caused by the untimely death of her husband and company president, John N. Griesemer," the memorial reads. "Her strength, sacrifices and commitment to the company provided the foundation for today."

Her son, John F. Griesemer, is the current CEO of the Erlen Group, the umbrella for the Springfield Underground and other companies.

Kathleen A. Griesemer's obituary indicates she practiced as a licensed therapist who assisted patients with chronic pain, and she was active with nonprofits such as Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc., the Springfield Art Museum and the Springfield Little Theatre.

Among her surviving family members is husband Jim Hutchison, of Springfield, and five children, according to her obituary.