Warren John Kiefer

Warren had an early and deep passion for the railroad and began his career on the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1938, and he was then hired on D&RGW in 1941. He spent 45 years working for the railroad which he dearly loved.

On May 3, 1943, Warren along with his engineer and engine attendant received the first official recognition given by high military authorities to Denver and Rio Grande Western civilians for outstanding performance in aid of the war effort at home. He served in the 101st Airborne Division in Europe in 1945.

In 1946, he married Beverly Plummer (deceased) in Salt Lake City. They divorced. He married Dorothy Lobach Hafey in Grand Junction in 1966; she passed away in 1997. He called Dorothy, “the most beautiful woman in the world.” They were married for 31 years.

Warren retired as an engineer in Grand Junction, CO, in 1983. He was an active member of Valley Bible church, a field worker/missionary for Christian Transportation, a charter member of the Rio Grande Chapter, The National Railway Historical Society, a lifetime member of the United Transportation Union, and a legislative representative for Local number 500.

He enjoyed chasing trains, rafting and hiking. He traveled often and would only travel by train. He is survived by one daughter, Cathy Felos, Dunnellson, FL; son, Jay (Christine) Kiefer of Kearns, UT; Terry Kiefer, Las Vegas, NV; and five step-children Janice (Tom) McCraw of Gettysburg, PA, Steve (Fay) Hafey of Craig, CO, Jane Ann Nettleton of Tacoma, WA, Ruth Lisle of Grand Junction, CO, Tim Hafey of Castle Rock, CO, 15 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Benson.

Warren loved God, family and trains. We will miss him very much.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Valley Bible Church, 646 29 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO, on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be left for the family at MartinMortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Christian Transportation Inc., 2222 South Sheridan Way, Suite 230, Mississauga, ON L5J 2M4.