Dale T. Kieffer

Hard working, and determined, Dale Kieffer lived a life rich in family and service to others. Driven by clear goals and a desire to make things better for others, Dale embraced each day with a sense of honor and unwavering commitment. A devoted brother, husband, father, and Papa, Dale was a powerful role model who will long be remembered by those who knew him best.
1954 was the year the nation learned to "Rock Around The Clock" and that "Father Knows Best." Young people across America embraced the new sounds that came with the recording of Elvis Presley's first album as well as M&M's Chocolate Candies' "melt in your mouth and not in your hand," sweet delights. As more and more housewives left home entered the workforce, the economy continued to grow as did the number of convenience items like TV Dinners and more and more fast food restaurants. It was a time of robust change and much hope for the future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the Utica home of Leon and Fern (Reps) Kieffer as they welcomed their son Dale into their hearts on November 25th.
The youngest of the Kieffer's five sons, Dale grew up working the farm in the good company of his brothers who would become his lifelong friends. Dubbed "little Tommy Tucker" by one of his uncles, Dale was not fond of the name. The pride of his youth was his horse Trigger. Trigger was the fastest horse in Utica where Dale grew up, and the two shared many adventures together.
As a youth, Dale attended Utica School, where he broke his kneecap on the playground metal slide. Later, he attended St. Charles High School where he graduated in 1973. While school was important, what was most important was family. Dale learned from the start the values of hard work, faith, and brotherhood. These values served as a firm foundation upon which Dale built the rest of his life.
The Kieffer family grew up as close friends of the Ihrke family. As Dale & Nancy grew older, they learned to dance and while dancing at the Gaymor Ballroom in Altura, they fell in love and set their sights on sharing their lives together.
The happy couple began to plan their wedding they were the first couple to celebrate their wedding in the newly built Our Saviors Moravian Church in Altura on December 10, 1977.
During the early years of their marriage, Dale spent quite a bit of time helping his brothers. He was quick to serve in any way he could. He helped with farm chores, construction--whatever he needed. To Dale, "when family needed help you were there."
As Dale and Nancy welcomed children to their family, focus naturally shifted and more time and energy was centered around making sure his family was well provided for. When they married, Dale and Nancy, like many young couples, started their marriage with nothing but a pledge to each other that they could make it on their own.
After moving to Dover on August 29, 1979, they still went to church in Altura until Dale finally said one day, "We've got a perfectly good church down the street. Why are driving all the way to Altura?" Upon which the family began attending Dover United Methodist Church. As a father, Dale was tough; a real hard ass. He hollered when he was upset and never wasted words. If the kids struggled to find something they were looking for, he unsympathetically told them, "It's right next to the candy bar; which is what his Dad always told him." Despite the fact that he could sit on a tractor for hours on end, he often complained when driving long distances that he was getting "sore asserosis." When the kids were out late on Saturday night they could be sure that Sunday morning would greet them with Dale playing loud dancing music and firmly asserting, "If you're gonna howl all night, you can get up in the morning." Though certainly a tough guy, Dale also knew how to have fun. Frequently at breakfast, he was known for singing whatever song was in his head, using his bowl and utensils as drums.
While the kids were still at home, the one big family trip they took was driving to the Black Hills in 1990. The family left on Saturday and were back home by Monday, in time for Dale to play in the old timer's softball league. They saw a lot in a very short time and stayed in their pop up camper. As they drove, Dale would tell the kids, "Don't blink. Look. There's South Dakota." Upon returning home, when asked about going back Dale would unhesitatingly respond, "I've seen that already."
Like his mother before him, Dale's primary love language was fixing things for others. Not one to ever be still for long, Dale always had a project going. The evening before he died he fixed the strap on Nancy's purse. That purse is now a treasure. Practical to the core, Dale also ensured that his kids had what they needed as they struck out on their own. His gift to his daughter when she left home was jumper cables and tire wrench. His time at the cabin centered around splitting wood, cleaning up and caring for their 13 acres and generally tending to the space he so loved. While much of his energy was spent caring for his home, as evidenced in his speed mowing, Dale also gave many years of service to the Dover Volunteer Fire Department and Dover Community Church.
Dale worked for Crenlo, before building homes with Marvin Ihrke and Tod Kieffer. He later farmed with Don Andring and then worked as a union laborer for the Local #405. Upon retiring January 26, 2017, with his signature goofy grin, Dale playfully asked everyone he saw, "Guess who is going to work tomorrow? Not this guy!" while pointing both thumbs at himself. A dear friend made him a shirt with to that effect.
After retiring, Dale wanted to get in the car and drive west without a schedule or plan. And so, he and Nancy hit the road. When he came back, he firmly stated,"If I want to do that again, just hit me!" Dale's favorite way to spend time was with his children and grandchildren. He absolutely loved going to their ball games and making treasured memories at the cabin near Utica. Dale enjoyed fishing and deer hunting and was especially pleased to share an elk hunting trip in Colorado with son and sons-in-law where he was able to share his love for the mountains. While his favorite movies were Westerns, especially those with John Wayne, his favorite songs included "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, and Hank Williams Jr.'s "Family Tradition" and "There's a Tear in My Beer."
Clearly, the shock of Dale's sudden departure and the absence of his steadfast presence has left a sense of uncertainty and loss for many. May it afford deep comfort to know that Dale will find his final rest in the soil at the cabin he so treasured. May additional comfort be found in hearing his legacy in his children's mouths, using the many tools he gave us, and in carrying his legacy of hard work, honesty, and determination forward in our own daily lives.
Dale Kieffer, 63, of Dover, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, March 22nd at his home. Dale was born November 25, 1954, in Winona to Leon and Fern (Reps) Kieffer.His family meant the world to him. He was always there for his children or brothers when they needed a hand. His grandchildren were the pride of his life.
Dale belonged to Dover Community Church (UMC), Dover Volunteer Fire Department, St. Charles Moose Lodge and Local Union #405.
Survivors include his wife Nancy, three children, Jennifer (Chris) Mitchell of Rochester, Peggy (Josh) Kahn of Elgin and Brian (Melinda) Kieffer of Dover, seven grandchildren Carson; Logan; Weston; Isaac; Addisyn; Easton and Joel, siblings, Darlene Kieffer; Ronald (Sue) Kieffer; David (Gay) Kieffer; Kenneth Kieffer; Gary (Linda) Kieffer; Cheryl (Tom) Nelson and Barb (Mike) Nelson, parents-in-law, Gene and Fern Ihrke, sisters and brothers-in-law, Don (Linda) Ihrke; Clair (Geri) Ihrke; John Potter and Deb (Rod) Morcomb and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Kathy Potter and Deb Kieffer, a niece Bridget Kieffer and neighbors who became family, Wes and Florence Thompson.
Services to remember Dale will be 11 a.m. Monday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in St. Charles with the Reverend Heather E. Klason officiating. Friends may call from 3-7 pm. Sunday and 10 - 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Dale and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.