Timothy John Kiefer

MADISON-Timothy J. Kiefer, age 71, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, after a brief but courageous battle with Leukemia. Timothy was born May 9, 1942, in Chicago, Ill. Tim graduated from Madison East High School in 1960. He earned a BS Degree in Education at the UW-Platteville and a MS Degree in Education from the UW-Whitewater. His career in education began in the Burlington school district and included several years with the Orland, Calif. school district. Tim was passionate about positively impacting the lives of his students and he had a unique ability to connect with each of his students in a special way. In addition to being an educator, Tim was an entrepreneur serving as President of Rite-Way Leasing Company for the past 45 years. Tim was truly grateful for the friendship and loyalty he received from the people he worked with throughout the years. He was a member of the Masonic Hiram Lodge No. 50. Tim and Nancy shared a special connection and love, which spanned more than five decades. They renewed their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary in August at an outdoor ceremony surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Havey); son, Timothy (Amy) Kiefer and their children, Garrison, Gabrielle, and Grace of Appleton; son, Tracy Kiefer (Bridget) and their daughters, Brittany, Brooke, and Brieleigh of Belleville; son, Tom (Kristin) Kiefer and their children, Joshua and Hunter of Sun Prairie; and he is also survived by John Kingsley of Portage. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jacqueline Kiefer; Tom Kingsley; and Gertrude Kingsley. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison at Noon on Saturday, June 8, 2013, with the Rev. Susan Schneider presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of celebration on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org. Tim’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care of Tim and assistance through this time. While we will miss him daily, we will continue to celebrate his life and memories the best way we know how by enjoying the little things in life. You fought long enough…now you can be in peace. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of celebration on Saturday. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison at Noon on Saturday, June 8, 2013, with the Rev. Susan Schneider presiding.