Patrick Kiefer

Patrick L. Kiefer, 60, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 8, in his Lafayette, Indiana home with his family by his side. His unyielding will, mighty heart, persevering faith, unwavering love for family and friends, and support and prayers from near and far carried him through his uniquely long battle with esophageal cancer.

Pat was born in Salem, Indiana on March 6, 1955 to Eugene and Jeanette Kiefer as the youngest of five children. He grew up on the farm, delighting his family with his wit and humor and getting into mischief with his older brothers. He graduated from Floyd Central High School in 1973 and went on to study at both Ivy Tech and Indiana University. As a talented and dedicated HVAC tradesman, he pursued multiple endeavors, including teaching at Ivy Tech Community College, opening and managing both Kiefer Company and ICU Mechanical Company, and mentoring many men in his field of work. He was highly respected in the community for his commitment to quality service and efforts to be fair to customers and colleagues.

Pat married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Kiefer, on November 20, 1980. Because to him, she was perfect in every way, he called her his “Mary Poppins”. They did everything together, even including chemotherapy. When one was weak, the other was strong, and each was concerned about the other’s health more than their own. Among his very last words were, “that’s wonderful news, honey” in celebration of her favorable cancer testing results. Together, they raised four children and hosted many friends and exchange students in their home. As a family, frequent road trips with undetermined destinations were common, as both family and adventure were energetic passions of his. Part of the excitement was that no one knew whether the trip would involve a dangerous trip to a wild cave, an eye-rolling stop at an Indian Mound, or an informative tour of an architectural gem along the way. Pat was a curious learner, enjoying studying about anything and everything, especially enjoying history, politics, and religion. He loved a playful debate, enjoyed challenging others, and was known to spark innovative ideas and thought processes through his witty conversations.

Pat was a very involved and proud grandfather, having a keen awareness and enjoyment of the unique characteristics and gifts of each child. He loved to call one of his “hot dogs” to a cuddle on his lap or a laughter filled game of basketball. His grandchildren adored him and he them.

Pat also enjoyed “fixing” up his home, often having multiple projects going at one time. He also loved his adventures with his buddies involving go-carts, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. Many entertaining stories have been told, such as him blazing through the woods at night with a flashlight taped to his helmet.

Pat was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and faith was very important to him. Most thankfully, we celebrate his eternal life in heaven, where he hurts no more and his heart is made complete. Thank you to everyone who added to his life, through relationship, love, support, and prayer. Pat is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Julia Hagan (Stephen), Shelley Foley (Stephen), Tiffany Strickler(Travis), and John Kiefer (Elise); mother, Jeanette Kiefer; sister, Karen Paul; sister, Sue Hammersmith; brother, Bob Kiefer; brother, Tom Kiefer; 14 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, and Theodore Kiefer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death include his father, Eugene Kiefer and grandson, Isaac Strickler.

Visitation will be held in Lafayette at Soller-Baker Funeral Home at 400 Twyckenham Blvd. on Friday, February 12 from 4pm to 8pm. His funeral service will begin at 11am on Saturday, February 13 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 612 Wabash Ave. Immediately following the service, his burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 2122 Old Romney Rd. All are welcome to celebrate his life at the home of Steve and Shelley Foley  in West Lafayette following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lafayette Community Cancer Network.