Herbert A Kieffer

September 16, 1930 ~ December 30, 2024 (age 94)

Herbert Arthur Kieffer was called to be with his Heavenly Father on December 30, 2024.

Herb was born on September 16, 1930 to Arthur and Florence (Ziercher) Kieffer in St. Louis, MO, where he lived with his brother Bill and family in Grandpa Ziercher’s house until 1 year after his mother died in 1941. In 1942 his father re-married to Marie (Potrecz - Behlke) and their family grew to include stepsiblings Victor (Behlke), Janice (Smith), Myrna (Beinke) and Laverne (Wendling).

Herb went to St. Paul College boarding school in Concordia, MO at age 15. After boarding school, he continued his education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO for a couple of years until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. Upon completion of basic training, he attended military Weather and Officer Candidate School, and accepted an assignment to Wiesbaden, Germany (where he traveled via boat during November). Shortly after arrival he received his next 3-year assignment to Paris, France, where he started his service at the Orly Air Force Base Weather Station. He became very proficient at plotting weather maps, was promoted from Corporal to Staff Sargent and received special commendation for his exemplary service. Herb spent 4-years serving in the Airforce where he continued living in Paris, France and traveled throughout Europe.

In 1956 Herb returned to the United States where he lived in Chicago, IL, worked for Burlington Northern Railroad, attended Ray Vogue Art School and then the American Academy of Art. He met Claudia Marie (Korff) whom he married on October 18, 1958. In 1961 Herb and Claudia moved to Hazelcrest, IL where they had their 4 children.

In 1970 the family moved to Arlington Heights, IL and Herb started Kieffer Graphics where he produced commercial art and package design. He also flourished in his hobbies of watercolor painting and playing the piano. Herb and Claudia were both active members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where Herb served in Evangelism, sang in the choir and directed the “Bottle Band”.

In 1994 Herb and Claudia retired to their home on Lake Grindstone in Hayward, WI, which Herb often referred to as his “little slice of heaven”, and where he continued his passion for watercolor painting. They were both founding and active members of Grace Lutheran Church where Herb served our Lord in many ways including ministering to the elderly, sick and shut-ins and singing in the choir. In 2017 Herb and Claudia moved from their lake home to a townhouse in downtown Hayward, followed by Herb’s move to Aspen Acres Assisted Living in 2019.

In September 2020 Herb and Claudia moved to Concordia Village in Springfield, IL where Herb received outstanding care throughout his remaining days on earth.

Herb is survived by his wife Claudia, children Paul (Carol), John (Andrea), David (Mary) Kieffer and Claudia (Rob) Kirby, grandchildren Marc (Ann) Mallory, Daniel (Nuavana), Nathan (Maria), Matthew (Hilary), Olivia, Caroline and Joseph Kieffer, Ryan (Kim), Joshua and Aleah Kirby, greatgrandchildren Noah and Jameson Mallory, Lily and Wyatt Kieffer and Luke Kirby.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and granddaughter Melissa Kieffer.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2pm in the Concordia Village Chapel located at 4101 West Iles Avenue, Springfield, IL 62711. Light refreshments will be served in the adjacent Concordia Room from 2:30pm to 4pm. Please consider directing memorials to the Concordia Village Benevolent Fund.