Jeffrey Lynn Kivisto

He met Margaret Dodd in high school and after six years of dating, they wed and spent 55 wonderful years of marriage together. Jeff and Margo had two children: Eric and Megan.

Jeff exemplified a project-driven soul. Whether restoring cars, antiques, or boats, updating the family’s IT and entertainment systems, or re-bricking the back patio for the 97th time, the man loved setting a task and making it happen. He embraced being “A/V Jeff” for Marg when she was a local pastor and later became a proud member of the Brighton Lions, where he met many wonderful friends who shared the opportunity for community service.

Anyone who knew Jeff knew his love of music. One of his greatest joys was sitting in his sun porch and shuffling through his playlists, sipping a cocktail, enjoying the view of his beloved Mt. Brighton subdivision and interacting with his fabulous friends and neighbors as they walked past.

Jeff is survived by his children Eric (Cheri) and Megan; grandson, Carter; sisters, Lorri (Tom), Michele (Chuck), and Jan (Mike); beloved nieces and nephews; and cat Henry.

A celebration of life will be held in Brighton, Michigan later this year.

Jeff raised his kids to be proud of their gifts; to never settle for giving less than their best; and to know he would always be there to hit some fly balls down Kingswood, remind them to plan the work and work the plan, and maybe sneak a check past Mom.

After fighting a devastating illness for six long years, he is now free from his physical burdens - his beloved Marg greeted him with the famous Marg hug he’d been waiting for for so long and they are strolling the Big Beach together. We love you and we’re proud of you.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Kivisto family.