MEMORIAL ANNOUNCEMENT-Arlene Kestner died August 15, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry Schweigerdt and Beatrice Schweigerdt and sister, Dr. Elizabeth Schweigerdt. She is survived by her husband, Neil Kestner Ph.D., a son, Lars Kestner, daughter-in-law, Kristen Verberkmoes, granddaughter, Grace Adella Kestner and grandson, Erik Lars Kestner of New York City. Arlene was a graduate of Cottey College, University of Illinois-Urbana and Bradley University. Following two years employment at Galesburg State Research Hospital, Kestner completed her graduate education with a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Louisiana State University. Arlene served on the Southern University psychology faculty for over 33 years, where her research projects included investigations on memory and olfaction including sensory evaluation of aromatic oils as well as several projects focusing on odor preferences. In 1988, Arlene was admitted to membership in The Herb Society of America (HSA) as a Member-at-Large. She was a founding member of The Society’s Baton Rouge Unit. As a member of The HSA national board of directors, Dr. Kestner held posts as Education Chair (1996-2000), Vice-President (2000-2002) and national HSA President (2002-2004). Kestner was an East Baton Rouge Parish Master Gardener since 1996 and provided instruction on herb cultivation to the Louisiana Master Gardener training classes. She was a devoted member of Chapter AQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The family requests memorial donations be made to The Arlene Kestner Memorial Lecture Fund, The Herb Society of America, 9019 Kirtland-Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094 or Drs. Arlene and Neil Kestner Science Boot Camp Award, LSU Foundation, 3838 West Lakeshore Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. A memorial gathering will be held at the LSU Faculty Club (101 Tower Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803) on Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 2pm until 5pm with farewell messages at 4pm. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
