"I will never forget the card games in Culter when they came to visit. The kids loved the pool. I hope you sent cards with Don so he can SHOW ST. PETER HOW TO PLAY "UNO". May God Bless You in Every Way."
In loving memory of
Donald Kieffer
July 14, 1933 - April 12, 2010
Donald Charles Kieffer, 76, of Rochester died Monday evening, April 12th at Seasons Hospice in Rochester.
Don was born July 14, 1933 in Elba to Raymond and Corrine (Siebenaler) Kieffer. He served in the Army from 1951-1953, stationed in Alaska. Don and Carol Rain were married July 1, 1961. They lived in Stewartville, St. Charles, and Rochester. In 1971 they moved to Utica before moving to Arkansas in 1992. They later returned to the area living in Zumbrota for a short time before moving back to Rochester.
Don was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, working first in California then in Rochester for a total of 35 years. He had also farmed with his dad south of Utica on the family farm.
Don enjoyed collecting things. With Carol he collected more than 500 'M & M' items. He also enjoyed going to auctions, playing 500 and playing hand and foot with his grandkids.
Survivors include his three children; Shari Kieffer (Jeff Koth) of Schaller, IA, Becky (Kevin) Nelson of Zumbrota and Tom (Sheila) Kieffer of Utica, five grandchildren; Stephanie, Joshua, Jason, Megan and Alex, a brother Louie (Donna) Kieffer of St. Charles and a sister Kay (Don) Schmidtknecht of Waumandee, WI. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol in 2003 and a brother Allen Kieffer.
A Funeral Mass will be 2 PM Sunday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with The Reverend James Callahan officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Friends may call from 4-8PM Saturday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Sunday. Please share a memory with Don's family on-line and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/132587
Tributes
"We came to know your parents through my parents, Don & Virginia Seeley. They moved to Bella Vista about the same time, were neighbors & quickly became best friends. I know they spent MANY hours in each others' company playing Hand & Foot and just having a great time together. Mother, in particular, was deeply saddened when your mom died & has never really gotten over it. Now, with the passing of your dad & my dad's death just a year ago, Mother is the only one left. It is very hard to see all of your friends & loved ones leave you behind, but we can find comfort in knowing that one day we will all have a grand reunion in Paradise. You & you families have our deepest sympathy. God bless you all."
"What a wonderful man. Growing up across the road gave me many memories -- the ball game, raking leaves in the fall. (The neighborhood girls would prevent we were making our future homes out of the leaves & Don would tell us it would be quicker to just rake them into a pile!), of course the card games and Miss Utica pageants! He was the only dad that watched us parade around in our silly dresses and banners! We also had some wonderful slumber parties and kept him awake til the early morning hours! He will be truly missed. Heaven is smiling as he joins Carol."
"We are so very sorry for your loss. We did not know your dad very well but it saddens us to know his life is over. However, we know he was not well and now he is with his Lord and his wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We know how you all felt about this great man. Stephanie, our love and hugs to you. We know how close you were to your grandpa. Just remember, he is being taken care of where he is and some day you will see him again, as well as your gandma. May God be with all of you and may He love, comfort and give you strength as you continue your lives following Him who will hold you in His hands always, We love you all, John, Pam and Cassandra"
"Shari, Tom and Becky, so sorry about your loss. It is never easy to see someone leave here, but, just knowing he is in Heaven can be a comfort. God's Blessings be with you all!"
"Shari and Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Take them memories and treasure them and take comfort in knowing the peace that has been found."
"My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Your mom and dad were always so good to the 3 of us girls growing up. We had a lot of fun running on the farm, doing ceramics, and just hanging at your house."
"Don and Carol were both the kind of neighbors you will always remember. Over the years we witnessed their thoughtfulness and enjoyed their company. Don had a very big smile to go with his big heart. We were fortunate enough to visit with Don recently and when we were saying our farewells he thanked us for keeping him up on the Utica news ( gossip ) and said it with a twinkle in his eye!! Peace be to you, Don! and to all the family."
"Shari, Becky and Tom- Sharing your sorrow in the loss of your dad. I know how deeply and persistently it hurts to be left without parents. I hope you are able to find comforting moments in the days and weeks ahead. Don was such a gentle soul. "
"Don and Carol were a big part of our life when we all lived in Bella Vista. We spent many nights playing Hand and Foot and many week-ends Antique shopping. We lost a big part of our life when they moved back to Minnesota. Know Don and Carol are up there in Heaven trying to get a game of cards going already! Heaven is even a better place tonight."