Jeffrey Alan Kayl

Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan Kayl, 65, died at his home on February 6, 2025, in Visalia, CA. Jeff was born April 6, 1959, to Martin (Marty) Joseph Kayl and Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Broderson and resided in Elk Point, SD. Jeff graduated from Elk Point High School in 1977. Jeff married Kelly Nickles in 1981. In 1983, Jeff welcomed his first daughter, Katie. Ryan, his son, was born in 1986. In 1989, Jeff married Tracy Ellefson of Vermillion, SD. Jeff gained a bonus daughter, Courtney. In 1990, Jeff and his family moved to Des Moines, IA. In 1991, a 3rd daughter, Christine (Chrissy) completed the family. Jeff worked various positions for IBP from 1977-1981. Jeff worked for the Farmer's Elevator COOP in Elk Point from 1981-1990. He was an Environmental and Refrigeration Engineer at Monfort Beef in Colorado from 1990-1993. Jeff became Corporate Director/Engineer at ConAgra Beef in 1994. In 1998, Jeff was promoted to Plant Engineer at ConAgra Beef in Greeley, CO. In 2005, Jeff started his own independent contracting company called Imagine That Engineering. He used his impressive 360-degree beef processing and slaughterhouse knowledge to become a very successful project manager throughout the United States and Mexico. Through a love of his job, Jeff met many lifelong friends and business associates. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was Jeff's favorite vacation spot. Admiring the Drinking Dragon and visiting Baja Tattoo were two of his favorite activities. To know Jeff is to love Jeff. Jeff made friends everywhere he went. To Jeff, family is not just bonded by blood. He shared many unforgettable memories with so many, and he enjoyed giving his closest friends nicknames. Jeff took great pride in raising his four children. Katie, Ryan, Courtney, and Chrissy were the loves of his life. Jeff was very proud to have six grandchildren, Owen, Jack, Olivia, Rome, Jordy, and Kai. He loved having them visit his California Wonderland. Watching his grandkids enjoy Mr. Bubble hot tub parties, bonfires, and drift trike rides brought him great joy. After his love for his family came his love for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Jeff loved to spend his free time riding with his friends, fixing bikes on the side of the road, and building beautiful custom motorcycles in the garage. He hand fabricated bikes for friends, family, and himself. He was always proud of building his own bikes from start to finish, doing all of the welding, mechanical, and paintwork himself. He instilled a love of motorcycles in everyone in his life. He liked the clean lines of a ridge frame with gorgeous paint and hand polished parts, mostly with an 80-inch EVO motor. He could be seen in a black Harley shirt most days and never passed up a conversation about bikes. There were always several Harleys in his garage. His Street Glide, Lucy, held a special place in his heart. Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Martin (Marty) Kayl, his mother Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Broderson, his mother-in-law, Lois Ellefson, and brother-in-law, Bruce Ellefson. Jeff is survived by his four children and six grandchildren, Padraic (Paddy) Katie, Owen, Jack and Olivia Rigg of Jefferson, SD. Zach, Courtney, Rome and Jordy Hill of Fort Collins, CO. Ryan and Kai Kayl of Jefferson, SD Christine (Chrissy) Kayl of Greeley, CO Tracy Kayl of Timnath, CO. His siblings, Doug and Karen Kayl of Colorado, Greg and Dee Kayl of Colorado and Tami Anderson of Minnesota. A stepmother, Wanda Kayl of Nebraska and sister, Janelle Collins of Nebraska. Many, many friends and family members. In the words of Jeff, "Remain calm, everything is gunna be alright." A visitation and short prayer service will be held from 12:30pm-3 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel at 1120 W Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. There will be a celebration of life on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 4pm-8pm at the Visalia Country Club at 625 North Ranch Street, Visalia, CA 93291. Please use Fresno Yosemite International Airport for air travel. Hotels are available in Visalia, CA. Flowers may be ordered through Creative Flowers in Visalia, CA at 559-627-0370. There will be a Throttle Salute at the Miller Memorial Chapel following the visitation. Ride your bike in true Jeff spirit and help send him off in a roar of thunder.