Kathleen Irene Kiefer
December 14, 1966 - December 31, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Kathleen Irene “Kathy” Kiefer, at the very young age of 54, was taken home to be with her parents and our Lord, on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 ,due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. Kathy was born with cerebral palsy on Dec. 14, 1966, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Gerald and Irene (King) Kiefer.
Kathy never let her cerebral palsy slow her down. The word “can’t” or “no” was never in her vocabulary. Kathy’s mother, Irene was her biggest cheerleader. If Kathy wanted or needed something, Irene would make it happen. When Kathy was a child, she was a poster child for the local Easter Seals Telethon. One of Kathy’s favorite things was going to Easter Seals Camp WawBeek every summer. Kathy was a very social person, had a passion for “Rock-n-Roll” and enjoyed drawing and coloring. Kathy loved and adored her nephew, Alex and niece, Elizabeth. Kathy was so proud of Alex, when he wanted to take her to school for show and tell. Alex loved riding in the van with her and operating the lift. Kathy was so proud of the fact that she was Elizabeth’s godmother and would tell anyone who would listen. Kathy loved animals, her last cat, Sandy, was her favorite.
Kathy graduated from LaFollette High School and worked for about 30 years for the City of Madison copying files first to microfiche and then to the computer.
Kathy was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. She met her life partner, Mike Alder, years ago. The two made a commitment to each other on May 15, 2015, and were the joy of each other’s lives.
Kathy is survived by her life partner, Mike Alder; her brother, Karl (Peggy) Kiefer; nephew, Alex (Tara) Kiefer and niece, Elizabeth Kiefer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald E. Kiefer and Ruby Irene Kiefer; and her beloved cat, Sandy.
The family would like to thank Create-Ability for the many years of support and a special thank you to Kathy’s amazing care staff, Bill, Alex, Jamie, Muhammad and Johanna. The family would like to also thank Tammy Peters, the entire Meriter Hospital eighth floor staff and paramedics of Med 5.
Memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society and Easter Seals of Wisconsin.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date once it is safer to gather. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
LB
Lindsay Bessick
Other •
I loved working with Kathy during our shared time at the City of Madison Human Resources department. During lunch breaks, I could always count on a fun chat, stories about the cats and Elizabeth and Alex, and hearing what Kathy and Mike were up to on weekends and holidays. She loved you all so much and was an amazing addition to our team. We'll miss her so much at the City of Madison.
LA
Lisa Fruin Antony
Other •
So very sorry to hear. Kathy worked in Building Inspection and sat in back with three of us. We all became like family. She was definitely a go-getter!! She also loved happy hours. :) Blessings to your family. Lisa Antony
MI
Mike Stahl Building Inspection
Other •
Whenever there was a staff party at a restaurant or an event elsewhere, Kathy was always in one of the pictures. She always participated. Always looking to smile and a consistently hard worker, Kathy left lasting memories in each area of the City she worked in. We'll see you on the other side Kathy.
JM
Jeff Martin
Other •
I fondly remember our daily chat sessions when Kathy attended the After School Program at Campus For Kids. When she laughed her whole body giggled and shook. I am saddened to hear she is gone way before her time. May God bless and keep her!
AR
Amy Riege
Other •
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I went to high school with her and remember her amazing smile and her determination. I was happy to read in her obituary that she had so many people in her life to love. She was full of love. Prayers to her family. Amy Riege
RE
Ruth Ethington
Other •
I worked with Kathy as her 'unofficial supervisor' when she first started in Building Inspection. She was a dedicated worker and always so cheerful. She will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers with her family.