Hometown Hero: Gary Kiesel

Franklin’s Gary Kiesel Pours His Heart into Decades of Service

Franklin resident Gary Kiesel has been told many times he makes the best popcorn. Kiesel laughs at this, saying it’s the Historic Artcraft Theatre’s popcorn machine that creates the magical theater popcorn taste. Locals know the popcorn is “locally grown and internationally known” thanks to generous donations from Norton Farms. Stationed behind the popcorn machine in the concession stand, Kiesel can often be found scooping up popcorn and serving it to patrons. He is a longtime Franklin Heritage volunteer.

A native of Johnson County, Kiesel graduated from Whiteland High School in 1976 and earned a degree in education at Franklin College in 1982. He later earned his master’s in administration at Indiana University. Kiesel entered teaching at a time when male teachers were uncommon and not widely accepted. He credits Ray Jones, longtime Franklin educator and principal, for giving him his first teaching opportunity.

He began his career teaching third grade at Northwood Elementary School before moving to a half-time assistant principal role while still teaching part of the day. When the opportunity arose, he became principal at Union Elementary School for three years, during a time when the future of the aging building was uncertain. Concerned about losing momentum in administration, he accepted the role of principal at Webb Elementary School and later finished his 30-year career at Franklin College, supervising new teachers until COVID-19 arrived.

Kiesel says that as a retiree, he is busier now than ever. Volunteerism runs in his blood, and around town he can be found lending a hand at local events. In 2022 he was named the City of Franklin’s Volunteer of the Year. This summer alone, he worked three back-to-back shifts at Discover Downtown’s Strawberries on the Square. For 25 years, he flipped ribeye steaks for the Johnson County Cattlemen’s Association at the county fair. He has also served Thanksgiving dinner at Scott Hall’s annual community meal, volunteered at the Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast each December, coordinated book sales for the Friends of the Johnson County Library, and served 16 years on the Johnson County Library Board.

Self-described as “not a sit-at-home person,” Kiesel also blends his love of gardening with service. He is president of the Johnson County Garden Club, a role he says was inspired by his parents’ love of flowers. He coordinated July’s Secret Garden Tour hosted by Franklin Heritage and the American Awards Display Garden at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. A Master Gardener, Kiesel has a passion for creating native gardens that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season for bees and butterflies. He also works part time for Sunny Lawn Farms, helping customers choose plants for their gardens.

Kiesel’s love of music and theater has led him to volunteer with the Indianapolis Symphony, Clowes Hall, the Carmel Palladium, and the Tarkington Theatre. These roles allow him to serve while enjoying a wide range of performances.

Travel is another passion. He has traveled widely with friends from his years in education and hopes to explore more of the United States. Three years ago, he hosted two foreign exchange students at Franklin Community High School — one from Spain and one from France. For someone accustomed to living alone, he says, welcoming two teenage boys for the school year was a big change, but a rewarding experience.

Recently, a Johnson County 4-H social media post showed Kiesel checking in projects during pre-fair judging — a reminder that many organizations benefit from his philosophy of never “sitting at home.”