Donald E. Kiefer

Donald E. Kiefer, of Grafton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Lawlis Family Hospice, in Mequon, at the age of 84 years. Don was born on May 11, 1932, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Harry Kiefer and the late Martha (nee Herz) Kiefer. He graduated from West Division High School and was later united in marriage to Carol Steffen on June 21, 1952, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, in Milwaukee. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Debbie, Mike, Bob, Kathy, and Ken. Don was employed by Jordan Controls working as a tool & die maker. He gave 40 years of dedicated service to the company. Don was also an active member with the Commemorative Air Force for 27 years, where he helped build planes, run the PX, and headed up ground maintenance. For over 40 years, Don and Carol have been the head cheerleaders at their son’s and daughter’s baseball, football, and basketball games. There will always be a front row seat reserved for Dad. Don will also be remembered for his Luftwaffe chili and will be greatly missed by his Saturday morning Denny’s breakfast group. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Kiefer, children: Debbie (the late Lou) Schulz, Mike (Liz) Kiefer, Bob Kiefer, Kathy (Dean) Canales, and Ken “Woody” (Amy) Kiefer; grandchildren, Andy (Bridget) Canales and Steven Canales, great-grandchildren, Madison and Peyton, and nieces, Beth (Kurt) Meyer and Heidi Kiefer-Eggers. He is further survived by special friends, Ev, Paul, John, and Stan, other relatives and many friends. Don was preceded in death by his siblings, Marilyn Schweitzer, Kitty Spain, and Joe Kiefer. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7PM at the Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory, in Grafton. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, March 30, 2017, from 4PM until the time of service. Memorials to the Commemorative Air Force or to the charity of your choice are appreciated. Don was very proud of his German Heritage and loved celebrating Oktoberfests, Germanfests, and was known to raise a glass or two of beer. Ein Prosit, Don!