Michael Paul Kaiser, 1957 – 2026

Michael Paul Kaiser, of Parksville, NY, passed away on Saturday, May 16 at the age of 68.

Born September 15, 1957, in Kingston, NY, Michael was the youngest son of the late Clarence and Laura (Schoonmaker) Kaiser. After graduating from Albany High School, Michael aspired to continue his family’s legacy of service to the Nation and to follow in his father’s footsteps. Michael volunteered at an Air Force recruiting station, but was ultimately unable to serve due to medical reasons. Michael then returned to Ulster County and began working as a knife maker at Imperial Schrade. It was after this first job and the birth of his son Michael J. Kaiser that Michael began his own service to the community. Michael started his service as a New York State Correction Officer, serving 26-years, mostly at Eastern Correctional, and retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 2010. Afterward, Michael served as a United States Postal Worker. Michael then culminated his extensive 41 years of combined service to the community as a school bus driver for Rolling V Bus Corp in the Liberty Central School District, where students knew him as “Mr. Mike.”

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elizabeth (Contreras) Kaiser; his son, Army Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Kaiser and his wife, Melissa, and their daughter, Olivia. He is also survived by six sisters, Catherine White of Dickson, TN, Vesta Crawford of Woodstock, GA, Ruth Malone of Canton, GA, Theresa Dwinall of Wappingers Falls, NY, Patricia O’Bryon of Kerhonkson, NY, and Paula Montanya of Wawarsing, NY; two brothers, Henry Kaiser of Lebanon, GA, and John Kaiser of Lake Katrine, NY; and many nephews, nieces, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brothers, Clarence Kaiser Jr., and Thomas Kaiser.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at Humiston Funeral Home, 30 42nd Street, Kerhonkson, NY, from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a graveside funeral service on Saturday, May 23, at Pine Bush Cemetery, 6075 Rt. 209, Kerhonkson, NY, at 11 a.m.

Flowers may be sent to the family in memory of Michael. Michael will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.