Frank A. Kiefel was born in Plantersville, Texas, the eldest son of Agnes Von Dohlen Kiefel and Frank August Kiefel. He passed away peacefully February 1, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston after battling numerous medical issues, including cancer. He is survived by his wife, Joan, his three children, Francis Kiefel of Lake Jackson, Dr. Jacqueline Kiefel and her spouse John Heiniger of Marietta, Georgia, and Deborah Llewellyn and her spouse Mark Llewellyn of Tampa, Florida, his younger sister, Mary Grace Mock of Plantersville, Texas, his grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah Heiniger of Marietta, Georgia and Rachel, Jake, and Charlotte Llewellyn of Tampa, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death are his parents, an infant brother, David, and a sister, Jean Roberts. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 5 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson, Texas with Monsignor Leo Wleczyk officiating. Pallbearers are Ken Anctil, Chris Griffin, Shawn Miramon, Mary Kay Roberts, Greg Mock, and Claire Malek. Viewing will be Friday, February 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Frank was a “country boy” who moved to the city. He attended school in Plantersville, Texas until his senior year when he attended and graduated from Navasota High School. He initiated his college studies at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. His collegiate experience was interrupted when he chose to serve in the U.S. Navy. As a sailor and non-swimmer, Frank was stationed in the South Pacific. Because of his typing skills, he was assigned the task of interviewing natives for benefits due them. Upon his return to the states, Frank attended St. Edward’s University in Austin where, as a young man, he joined the Knights of Columbus. He attended and graduated from the University of Houston where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Frank’s employment history began with Superior Oil Company until he ventured into Houston to work at the Federal Reserve Bank. Though he managed the loan department, he could not afford to live on the salary assigned him and found he frequently needed to borrow from his mother. Frank followed a “help wanted” advertisement and accepted employment at Dow Chemical. He worked various positions at Dow, retiring as a Safety and Training supervisor. Frank has been told that as a child he lived a “charmed life.” His father, Frank Kiefel, owned and operated two general merchandise stores. Frank often related stories of traveling by his father’s side while purchases and agreements were made and debts were collected with the assistance of the local sheriff. He was a privileged little boy who was provided a personal escort for unlimited rides on his pony. In the home, the cook would daily place him on the counter and say, “Master Frank, what kind of pie do you want today?” Later he was assigned the job of feeding the hogs and milking and feeding the cows. In an effort to save time one day, he chose to mix the feed in concentration rather than according to his father’s directions. With the hogs wallowing and grunting, Frank’s father was visualizing great financial loss. The local veterinarian assessed the situation, pushed his hat back on his head and said, “Mr. Kiefel, your hogs are drunk!” Frank had to admit that he had changed the formula of the feed. Frank relayed that the dreaded “cutting of the peach tree twig and trip behind the barn” was the result of this time-saving venture. We all believe that this trip was not a one-time occurrence. Frank met the love of his life, Joan Hutzler, in the Dow cafeteria where she was employed as an industrial nurse. He had a history of dating nurses at Dow and was warned by the director of nurses to “play it cool” as she needed retention of her nursing staff. Following a yearlong courtship, Frank and Joan determined that they shared the same faith, beliefs, and values which would sustain them as a couple and were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Del Rio, Texas. Frank actively participated in the lives of their children by being a Cub Scout leader, coaching Little League baseball, and attending various musical performances and awards ceremonies across the state and nation. Additionally, he visited and delighted in visits from his five grandchildren who will lovingly remember taking walks with their “Papa.” Frank’s hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and traveling. He enjoyed reading investment and research information. He was an advocate of his wife’s later career with Children’s Protective Services. He never objected to assisting and never knew how much he contributed financially to saving the day of a family in need. Frank was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freeport until St. Michael’s Church in Lake Jackson was formed. He taught the first Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults under the guidance of Father Titus. He taught and guided high school students in the Religious Education program and served countless masses as an usher.
Frank believed it important not to dwell in the past, but to always move forward and live life to its fullest as described in the quote, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.” If desired, memorials may be sent to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 100 Oak Dr. South, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566. Online condolences may be left at www.restwoodfuneralhome.com. Services are under the direction of Restwood Funeral Home, Clute, Texas.
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