December 11, 1961 – Friday, January 21, 2011
Service Information
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN
Monday, January 24, 2011
6:30 PM
Visitation Information
Christopher Kieffer passed away quietly in his sleep on January 21, 2011 at his home in Buffalo, MN.
Chris was born on December 11, 1961 in Quonset Point Navel Base, Rhode Island son of Carol (Friel) and Howard Kieffer (deceased). Chris graduated from Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio. He attended Columbus State and the Ohio State University where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He had a successful career as a manager for McDonalds followed by careers with PAR Companies and Border Foods, Golden Valley, MN.
Christopher Lee Kieffer married Joy Carlson on December 16, 2008 in Owatonna, MN and moved to Buffalo, MN. Throughout his life, Chris enjoyed fishing, woodworking, carpentry, photography, music and walking his dogs, Daisy and Belle. He also valued the time he spent watching his sons play baseball and hockey.
Chris was the proud father of Nathan (15) and Nicholas (13) Kieffer (Chaska, MN), Connor Martin (Buffalo, MN), Kevin and Jessica (Dale) Ash, (Owatonna, MN) and Erica Ash and Dusty Gibson (Prestonburg, KY) and grandfather to Gunner Gage Gibson Ash.
Chris is survived by his beloved wife Joy, his children, parents, Carol and Chuck Stoffel (Galloway, OH), sister Julie (and Glenn) Spicer (Logan, OH), Paul Kieffer (Columbus, OH), Heather Stoffel (Seattle, WA) and nieces and nephews. Father-in-law John P. Carlson and mother-in-law Doris Carlson (Newark, OH).
A visitation and memorial service was held on Monday, January 24th at Peterson Funeral Home in Buffalo, MN beginning at 3:30 PM. On Thursday, January 27th, a memorial service will be held at Humphrey Funeral Home in Shawnee, Ohio.
Memorials are to the family or to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (Albert Lea, MN).
The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo is proud to have served the family.
Joy –
My heart goes out to you! I am thinking of you and holding you up in thoughts and prayers. Please tell Connor how much we love him!
Dear Joy; Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kelly, Interim Executive Director Special Education, Saint Paul Public Schools
Dear Joy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care.
Robyn
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My thoughts are with you and the family.
Joy, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and that your fellow directors are with you.
Scott Hare
Joy and family, I am so saddened to hear that Chris passed away. Joy, I know Chris was the light in your life. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. My deepest condolences.
Karon Joyer
Joy, I am very sorry to hear of the death of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Nick
Dear Joy:
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful husband, Chris. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lochlan Stuart
Dear Joy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband just a few months ago so I know the pain you are experiencing. I was told that sorrow strips you to who you really are. It is not a fun journey, grieving takes a lot of energy. Some one told me that one day you will wake up and it won’t hurt so bad. I didn’t believe them but I want you to know it is true. One day you will wake up and it will hurt a little less. This may not seem like much but it really helped me. Hang in there…take one day, or moment at a time and…. one day it won’t hurt quite as much. I will keep you in my prayers.
Deb Wanek,
Superintendent Pelican Rapids, MN
Our sympathies to your family in this time of sorrow.
Joy, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in family, friends and fond memories. We’re thinking of you.
Barbara
Saturday 1/29/11
Joy, I was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of your husband. My heartfelt sympathy to you and Connor at this time. May the love and kindnesses of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. I happened to see Kevin at the grocery store this morning and he told me of the news. (I missed seeing the obit in our paper.) It was good to see Kevin and hug him once again. I think of Connor, especially when I am on my walks down through the Mineral Springs Park. We had some good “adventures” down there when I sometimes took him there years back after school. Kevin told me Connor has a good thing going with hockey. It is good he has that, especially now with support of team mates and a cheering crowd. Good for you also to be there with him for it. I sometimes miss my life at the office with you and the others. It was a great job and I loved working with you and Paul and the others. But, I love my “home administrator” duties…playing house, volunteering, caregiving, gardening, etc. since I retired 7 years back already. I do see Paul M often. Also see Jeff S. on occasion. Life is good for us…we will be great grandparents in June. Son, Jay and Wendy had a sweet wedding 1 1/2 years ago. They have two wonderful teenagers so our family has increased.
Joy, treasure the special memories and fun times you had with Chris. Know that he passed with happiness in his heart having you.
Peace in your heart, dear Joy.
From your long ago secretary and forever friend. Arlene J.