Margaret Jean Kiefer

Margaret J. Kiefer (Peggy), 59, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 6, in her Lafayette, Indiana home with her family by her side. Her unyielding will, joyful spirit, persevering faith, unwavering love for family and friends, vigor for living life to the fullest, and support and prayers from near and far carried her through her long and difficult battle with colon cancer.

Peggy was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 9, 1957 to Elvin and Dorothy Turner as a middle child of 7 sisters. She grew up both delighting and distressing her sisters with her ornery and spirited shenanigans. She graduated from Durrett High School in 1976 and went on to work as a dispatcher at Fetzer Refrigerator Company where she met the love of her life, Patrick Kiefer. They married on November 20, 1980 and she embraced becoming a mother of two young girls, Julia and Shelley, and soon after gave birth to two more children, Tiffany and John. As they enjoyed a busy family life, they began Kiefer Company together in 1984, serving the communities HVAC needs while providing employment and mentoring for many young men. Peggy was a wise businesswoman and dedicated supporter for her husband and employees. She successfully managed the household and the business, balancing roles with seamless agility. They later began ICU Mechanical Company, a successful business still operated by men who became as close as family to Pat and Peggy and who strive to run the business with the same ethics and integrity to keep their legacy alive in the HVAC industry.

Peggy loved children and was a child at heart. She loved being a parent and Pat and Peggy’s home was a revolving door, with friends constantly visiting and being welcomed as family. Peggy was the second mom to many friends and exchange students, easily making others feel comfortable and loved. Peggy also enjoyed becoming active in elementary school PTO, creatively starting new events at the school and pulling everyone together for fun, bonding, and laughter. At family reunions, the kids were attracted to her like a magnet, excited to see what game or activity she had planned next. She had such a big, joyful smile and energetic, playful spirit that both children and adults adored her.

Peggy cherished her husband and the family they created. Her grandchildren were her greatest blessing and she loved knowing them so closely and enjoying their uniqueness and gifts. She was happy to help ease their troubles in a way only grandma could. The love and closeness shared in the family was tangible to all that witnessed it.

Peggy and Pat did everything together, with gratitude and humor, including their courageous battle with cancer. While the cancer ultimately took them both home in less than one year apart, their unwavering love, courageous faith, and gratitude through the difficulties inspired many along the way. Peggy chose to focus always on her blessings and kept smiling her big, bright smile until God took her to reunite her with her love, Pat.

Peggy was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and faith was very important to her. Most thankfully, we celebrate her glorious life in heaven, where she hurts no more, is reunited with her soulmate and those that passed before her, and delights in the love of her creator for eternity. Thank you to everyone who enriched her life, though relationship, love, support, and prayer. Peggy is survived by her children, Julia Hagan (Stephen), Shelley Foley (Stephen), Tiffany Strickler (Travis), and John Kiefer (Elise); sisters, Kathy Miltenberger, Patsy Scheller, Sandy Bartch, and Mary McHugh-Lovellette; 15 grandchildren, Madeline Hagan, Kiefer Ekelund, Asra Foley, Nyah Foley, Wyatt Strickler, Annabelle Strickler, Katelyn Strickler, Simon Strickler, Felicity Strickler, Samantha Kiefer, Jonah Kiefer, Luke Kiefer, Theodore Kiefer and Phillip Kiefer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Those preceding her in death include her husband, Patrick Kiefer; her father and mother, Elvin Liles and Dorothy Turner; her sisters Dianne Yennes and Linda Liles; and a grandson, Isaac Strickler.

Visitation will be held in Lafayette, IN at Soller-Baker funeral home at 400 Twyckenham Blvd. on Sunday, December 11th from 3pm to 7pm. Her funeral service will begin at 10am on Monday, December 12th at St. Ann’s Catholic Church at 612 Wabash Ave. Immediately following the service, her burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 2122 Old Romney Rd. All are welcome to celebrate her life at the home of Steve and Shelley Foley at 104 Chattan Dr. in West Lafayette following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan St. Elizabeth Foundation Palliative Care Program.