Herbert Kiekhaefer
August 25, 1923 - November 26, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Herbert F. Kiekhaefer, age 93, of Madison, died on Nov. 26, 2016. He was born Aug. 25, 1923, in Manitowoc, the son of the late Fred and Lillie (Winter) Kiekhaefer. Herbert served in the U.S. Army during World War II for three years, with the final rank of Technician Fifth Grade Headquarters, V Corps. It was there that his interest, aptitude and talent for accounting began. He graduated from UW-Madison in 1949 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. On May 1, 1948 he married Joyce Lukken of Mount Horeb, who predeceased him in 2013. After graduation Herbert and Joyce moved to Appleton, where they raised their family and lived for over 50 years before moving back to Madison in 2002. Through hard work, Herbert was awarded partner status at the CPA firm of Pusch, Larson, Seifert & Co., Appleton WI. After several mergers, he eventually became a partner with Grant Thornton, a national accounting and management consulting firm. Herbert was well respected among his clients and his expertise was in heavy demand. He was a past member and officer of the Northern Chapter of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He also taught accounting courses for a number of years at Lawrence University, Appleton. He semi-retired in 1985 and did consulting at Badger Plug in Greenville, a manufacturing company, working well into the 1990s. Herb was a natural athlete, playing many different sports in high school and the Army. He was also student manager for the high school basketball team. His love for tennis and golf continued long into his life. He remained an avid Badgers and Packers fan, having attended the infamous "Ice Bowl" with his son. Herb was a true and life-long friend to many people he met through his work and personal life. He remained very close through the decades, with three very special Manitowoc grade school "buddies". He was generous, hard-working, honest, and enjoyed people. He loved his brother, sisters, family and extended family very much, praying for them all to the very end. He was a member of West Middleton Lutheran Church and formerly a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton, where he served as officer and council member for many years. He is survived by his daughter, Jane L. (Mark) Kopp of Middleton; son, John H. Kiekhaefer of Bartlett, Ill.; daughter, Ann M. (Rick) White of Raleigh, N.C.; brother, Fred Kiekhaefer of Greenfield; sister, Florence Foreman of Poway, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; newborn twin sons and daughter; and his sisters, Doris Walker and Helen Thomas of Manitowoc. Funeral services will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Rd., Verona, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday Nov. 30, 2016, with the Reverend Ted Lindquist presiding. Lunch to follow at the church. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Private burial will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the West Middleton Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
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Memories
JB
Janet Bates
Other •
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Herb. Herb was a special friend to my Dad, George who lived with him at All Saints. They spent many hours together watching Badger and Packer sports as well as having their meals together. Their friendship was a cornerstone of my Dad's well-being. I hope Herb is now at peace. I hope all his family and friends find joy in their special memories of Herb.
Janet Bates
MH
Mary Headley
Other •
Much love to Herb's grieving family. Since meeting him and his wife Joyce, while caring for them in their apartment, I was was always amused by his sense of humor and touched by his devotion to his family. To say Herb was a hard worker would be an understatement! Not too many people I know of have a retirement party after having already retired from one job! While work was important he had time for sports and was a generous listener. Music could often be heard while he worked at his desk or 'rested his eyes''. I think of him often when holiday music is played.
I pray his family will be comforted by the knowledge that he appreciated their devotion and cherished their love. He spoke of them often the events they shared and the pride he felt for them.
He will be missed.
CS
Carole Schubring
Other •
Condolences on Herb's death. My dad, GEORGE, moved into All Saints the day after Herb. They were assigned to the same dining table and immediately became fast friends. Soon they were enjoying Packer and Badger games sometimes drinking a 7oz beer. We are thankful that our dad found such a wonderful friend. Herb will be sadly missed.
RS
Richard Smith
Other •
Richard Smith
John, Jane, and Ann: I will always have fond memories of your father. My heartfelt condolences. Thanks, Uncle Herb, for all those Titleist golf balls you gave to me all those years during my youth. It is a special memory that I will always hold onto.
MF
Michael Ferris
Other •
Our condolences to Ann, Jane, John, extended family and friends of Herb. Whether discussing sports or more serious matters, those conversations were always insightful and thought provoking. And Herb's wonderful sense of humor always took the edge off of the more serious matters. Many great memories.
Mike Ferris
CB
Cheryl Bosma
Other •
Dear John, Jane, and Ann,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you in losing your precious Dad. I may have expressed this in past years, but memories of Uncle Herb and Aunt Joyce are some of my very favorite childhood memories. It was always with much excitement, while riding in the car from Manitowoc to Appleton, that I anticipated our visits with them in your childhood home. I can still remember, as clear as day, being impressed with how much knowledge Uncle Herb had, and, of course, such quick wit. I would happily sit there for hours, listening to him, Aunt Joyce, Woody, and my mother (Herb's sister) converse and debate over a whirlwind of topics. Your Dad was an extremely loyal and devoted husband and father to your family, for which I've always respected him. After losing my mother, it was a comforting feeling knowing that some of her loved ones, including dear Uncle Herb, were still here. With sadness, I will miss him. But, I am grateful to know he is at peace with his heavenly Father. I hope you will find comfort in the many special memories you have of Uncle Herb. You were blessed to have him as your father.
Love from your cousin,
Cheryl