Henry Martin Kiel

Fort Collins, Colorado - Henry Martin Kiel, age 86, died on May 24, 2025. Henry was the second son, born on January 21, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to German immigrants, Marie Schmidt and William Kiel.

He was a 1957 graduate of Crown Point High School, meeting the love of his life Carole at the neighboring rival high school.

During his high school years, he would date the rival cheerleader from Lowell High School, and on January 23, 1968, he married his sweetheart, Carole Lynne Diddie.

Henry served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne. He then attended North Carolina State University.

Henry was a born salesman - He began his sales career as a young boy, selling his sisters’ handmade jewelry, whom suffered from Polio, handmade jewelry, going door to door and into local business. That was the beginning of forty-seven year career of being a self employed Manufacturer Representative for men’s clothing. Anything a gentleman would need to look sharply dressed, with all the accessories. Being a National Sales Manger for multiple lines. Like Jacob’s & Roberts (ties) a company out of Los Angeles, Ferrell Reed out of Boulder, CO, Cashmere from Scotland, & Irish Sweaters from Ireland, …, he had clothing lines from all over the world.

Henry loved to travel all over and especially for a good road trip! Memories of going to the Indiana Dunes, the cabin on the river and trips into Chicago are some of the Midwest favorites.

Henry was known for strength, loyalty, helping others in need and having a good time.

His annual sample sale was well attended and a highlight for many.

Henry was fun 🤩

funny 😄 😆 😁

&

He had a dazzling smile 😀 .

He had a love of people, especially his #1 gal, Carole.

He was proud to be a member of AA for over fifty years, deciding to leave the drink behind when his children came along.

Henry enjoyed running, mountain climbing & a good conversation.

What do you want dad to be remembered for?

Well, he definitely kept on the 12 steps and he always stayed by mom (infinitely grateful for that). He taught me how to sail, down a tree and never shy away from an adventure.

~ Kevin Kiel

Strength, grit & determination

Pure grit

Good character

Loved people

Just wanted everyone to have a good time! Usually. A Good time was had by all. At least that’s how the story goes!

Loved naps!

Would read encyclopedias in his spare time!

Loved watching college basketball!

Chicago Cubs and Da Bears.

Good eye for… color, details, architecture…

Loved adventure

Loved camping and taking an RV in Europe!

~ Kelly Kiel Rush

He is preceded in death by his wife Carole of 32 years; an infant sister; his older sister & his brother, William and wife Lois Kiel; and his niece, Marlo Kiel.

Survivors include his daughter, Kelly Kiel Rush and husband Cory Rush of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; son, Kevin Kiel and wife Kunika of San Carlos, California; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jenna, and Torin; and his nephew, Bill Kiel of Crown Point, Indiana.

In Lieu of flowers please consider giving to the Henry Kiel estate to go toward either AA programs or planting trees.

Pamela E. Baumgardner Toth, FD

Edited by Kelly & Kevin