Karen Kolberg Kietzer has spent a lifetime working with young people. After obtaining an associates degree from Lake Michigan College, Kietzer earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She then began a career in high school education, serving in various roles in the Galien, Watervliet, and Lakeshore public schools. At Watervliet, Kietzer was head of the high school English department and a class advisor. She was president of the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties Counselors Association, president of the Watervliet Education Association, and chair of the Innovation Grants for Lakeshore Public Schools. Kietzer managed her educational career all while helping to operate Kietzer Farms Inc., a greenhouse operation with vineyards, vegetables, and tobacco that she co-owns with her husband, Rock.

In addition to her years in the classroom, Kietzer devoted many years to educating young people through the Michigan 4-H program. A former Berrien County 4-H’er, Kietzer has volunteered with 4-H for more than five decades. Her roles have included volunteer leader of the Tyron 4-H Saddle Club and more than 10 years as president of the Berrien Community 4-H Foundation. She received a Berrien County Outstanding 4-H Leader Award and in 2021, she was honored by MSU Extension for her 50 years of service.

Kietzer has also served her community as co-chair of the Winner’s Circle, an annual fundraiser for student scholarships at Lake Michigan College. She is a member of the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation board of directors, the Grace Lutheran Church’s 75th Anniversary Committee of Leadership, and the Michigan Agri-Women board. She is a faithful donor to the Berrien County Youth Fair, Berrien County 4-H Foundation, and Lakeshore Excellence Foundation. Kietzer was recognized for her many personal and professional accomplishments with the Lake Michigan College Alumni Service Award in 2010.