Gregory John Kiser

Gregory John Kiser, 69, of West Palm Beach, Florida, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on November 14, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Greg was born on February 5, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota, by way of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1974. He attended Rochester Community College before beginning a long and distinguished 42-year career with Gillette Pepsi Cola in Rochester, Minnesota. Over the decades, Greg served as a salesman, sales supervisor, sales manager,and ultimately Division Manager. His dedication and leadership were widely respected, earning him the prestigious President’s Ring of Honor from Pepsi Co in New York in 2007. His vision and guidance were instrumental in Rochester Gillette Pepsi Cola being named the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year in 2009.

On November 26, 1977, Greg married the love of his life, Marilyn (Hangge) Kiser. Together, they built a life full of laughter and family. Greg was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose pride and joy were his two granddaughters, Zoey and Violet. 

Greg was deeply involved in his children's lives. He spent many years coaching both baseball and football, proudly leading his son's teams. Beyond the field, he served for many years as the Show Chairman for the Rochester Figure Skating Club, where his daughter participated in the ice shows and his leadership and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated. Greg was also his daughter's biggest supporter throughout her figure skating career, encouraging her every step of the way. After his children graduated, Greg found new ways to stay involved, taking on the evening role of driving the Zamboni at the Rochester Recreation Center, filling the space once occupied by his children's activities.

Greg found joy in time spent outdoors, especially fishing at Lake Kabetogama with family, and on fishing trips to Canada with his son-in-law. He also cherished going to Dave Matthews Band concerts with his son and son-in-law, treasured moments filled with music and laughter. He loved waterfowl hunting with his brother-in-law and golfing, and later found joy in disc golfing with his son. In 2020, Greg and Marilyn fulfilled their retirement dream by moving to West Palm Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed the sunshine and their well-earned time together. During this time, Greg also developed a special and meaningful relationship with his daughter-in-law, a bond that grew strong in their years spent nearby.

Greg will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and love of life. Always the jokester, he brought smiles to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kiser; daughter Amanda (Mike) Wagner; son Anthony (Brittany) Kiser; and two granddaughters, Zoey and Violet; in-laws Ray and Jeanne Hangge; sister-in-law Mary(Howie) Nelson; brother-in-law Mark (Nora) Hangge; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A celebration of Greg's life will be held in West Palm Beach, Florida, in January, with a gathering to follow in Rochester, Minnesota, in May. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the following causes close to Greg's heart.

Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
Trustbridge Hospice
Manatee Lagoon