Kerstin Pedersen Warner

Kerstin Pedersen Warner of Lexington, KY, a professor emeritus of EKU, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 28, 2024. She was 87 years old.

She was born in Saint Paul, MN, the only daughter of Arthur and Esther Pedersen.

Kerstin was brilliant, witty, and a loyal friend. As a young woman, she won piano competitions while attending the Summit School in Saint Paul, MN. She then earned an English degree from Vassar College in 1959, and began teaching while earning her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota.

During her four decades as a Professor of English Literature at Eastern Kentucky University, she published books on Thomas Otway and John Jacob Niles, wrote the libretto for an original opera, and inspired thousands of young writers to find their voice.

Kerstin is survived by her daughters Kerstin Warner Rao (Vijay) and Sarah Warner Lister (Charles), her step-daughter Elizabeth Warner, and her grandchildren Sofia Weinberg, Thomas Lister, and Charlie Lister.

A memorial marker will be placed alongside her parents at the Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.