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Joseph Fitzgerald Kieffer
Joseph Fitzgerald Kieffer
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Joseph Kieffer Obituary
RAPID CITY - To all those I have loved, lived and laughed with:
I have been around the country.
I have been around the world.
But my greatest adventure has been at home in Rapid City around family, friends, neighbors, fellow associates and my two best friends, Lady and Lily.
Thank you all for being in my life and for the times we've shared together.
There is no place like home!
Look for me somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, because that's where you'll find me.
I've loved you and will miss you!
For all of you who wish to celebrate my life, there will be a memorial service from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Hainesway Apts. Clubhouse on Haines and Anamosa behind the Office Bldg., 1314.
This obituary was originally published in the Rapid City Journal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Gilchrist
April 21, 2024
Missing you forever on. I hope you and Brian are kicking up a storm of entertainment along the rainbow with Lady at your side.
David Gilchrist
April 21, 2023
Thinking of you and Lady on this anniversary of your jumping over the rainbow. I know you are entertaining the crowd up in the sky with our friends. Thank you for sharing your self with us.
David Gilchrist
April 23, 2022
The years pass by so quickly but you are forever in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you, Brian Barber, Lew Banks, Rick Strausser, and Bob Docca are putting on shows for our families up there with you.
We all had some wonderful times, Joseph, throughout the world. A gentleman during the day and a much more in the evening.
David Gilchrist
April 21, 2021
Always in my heart. Remembering all of the wonderful times we spent together in Rapid City, San Francisco, and Beijing.
Hope you and Brian Barber are entertaining the heavens for all.
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David Gilchrist
April 21, 2020
Thinking of you and the wonderful times we shared in Rapid City and trips abroad. I hope Lady is at your side while Mercedes is entertaining heaven.
Marian Wuertz
April 21, 2020
Remembering you on this day, your death anniversary Joseph. Still cannot forget our adventure in China together and who can forget your sense of humor and the funny emails you used to send. You will never be forgotten.
David Gilchrist
April 21, 2019
As the days turn into years you and Lady are in our hearts. Hope you are finding love amongst the stars with family and friends. No doubt you are entertaining all with laughter, song, and dancing. One day hopefully our paths will join again.
David Gilchrist
May 2, 2012
Mercedes and Lady are singing and dancing for all. We miss you so much.
Joseph the first day at home with Lily
Sharon Apa
September 15, 2011
loved his show girls!! 3-3-04 VEGAS
June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
Carla Sandifer
May 27, 2011
Joseph ...you know
Alison Sticklestad
May 16, 2011
I will miss Joseph. He was always up;ifting & a good friend.
May 14, 2011
It has been three weeks today since Joseph left us, and while going through this Guest Book, I realized I did not even sign it yet.
To all of Joseph's family, you know how I feel about him, he was my dear friend and I miss him more each day. It was an honor to know him. He remains alive in Heaven, and alive in my heart!!
Always,
Sharon Apa
Marnie Apa
May 3, 2011
I didn't know Joseph very well, and yet I feel like he demonstrated to me what real friendship is all about. When Dave & I decided to get married in Rapid City, we were lucky to have Dave's Mom, Sharon, to plan everything via phone calls from us.The one thing I told her I really wanted was a cake, even if it was Betty Crocker mix in a glass cake pan she baked in her oven. What I actually received, with Joseph & Sharon being close friends and Joseph having previous experience in this area, was the most awesome wedding cake any girl could ever ask for. Complete with a fountain! Joseph had never even met me and in the most spectacular way, gave me one of the 'special' things I requested for my wedding day because he was doing it for his friend.
Kathi Hackett
April 29, 2011
At first I was so sad, but then I read all these beautiful testimonials to Joseph and the kind of person he was, how he obviously touched everyone he came in contact with, and then I realized that if he couldn't be here with us any longer...how wonderful to have made the kind of difference that he did. I know that I will never look at a rainbow or a starry night quite the same again thanks to Joseph. I pray you are at peace and in no pain my gentle spirited friend.
Carol Engel
April 29, 2011
I will always remember your great smile and laughter...our fun trips to Chicago and the blizzard in Sioux Falls..our talks about our futures...the Mercedes shows...I will miss you good friend...
Carol Hubbeling
April 28, 2011
You were an enthusiastic English student in Written Communications class many years ago. You were a special student of mine.
We had many talks during hard times you were going through.
You will be missed.
Deborah Hildebrandt
April 28, 2011
Joseph, I'll miss our travels, martini's and laughter. At least I will have the fond memories of your friendship. (well.. until dementia sets in) Muah! xo xo
Brock Bell
April 28, 2011
Well, 37 years is a long time my friend. (considering we aren't a day over 29) I am certain that you are finally at peace and enjoying your time with Lady, once again. Please give my best to Mrs. Erickson. I am certain she was there to welcome you home.
John Traglia
April 28, 2011
Joseph,
It was my great pleasure and honor to work with you, although we were in 2 different offices in 2 different cities. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. You were a joy to know. We'll see you over the rainbow
Colleen Maher
April 28, 2011
Joseph, We had a lot of great times together at MPI and you will so missed. My sympathy is with your family. Colleen (Dew) Maher
Carolyn Peterson
April 28, 2011
Joseph, You were such a great friend. We had many laughs together and I am so going to miss that. Even though we were not in constant contact, it always seemed like we could pick up right where we had left off. I know you and Lady are having a great time together once again. Love and miss you lots already.
Lisa Hastings
April 27, 2011
Joseph, Thank you for the friendship, long talks and laughs. I will cherish our fun times together! Everytime I hear Elton John I will forever think of you and the fun we had at the concert! I will miss your weekly visits to see me at work. You were such a strong person and are now at peace with Miss Lady! Please give her a hug and kiss from me! You will be missed and always in our hearts!
magda alarcon
April 27, 2011
Dahling Joseph - thank you for the opportunity of your firiendship! I enjoyed your company on our trips and sharing the laughter - good times. Rest well with Lady and watch over us :) hugs, magda
Jodie Geske
April 27, 2011
Joseph had a lot of class--plus style, grace and warmth. Even through trying circumstances, he kept his sense of humor and fun. He will be greatly missed.
April 27, 2011
Can't forget our adventures in China and how much fun we had. Even though you are in Rapid City and I in San Francisco, we had gotten quite close through calls and emails. You always provided the comic relief with your fun emails. I love you Joseph and will miss you a lot. Take care.
Marilyn Torres
April 27, 2011
Oh Joseph, you will be missed and loved forever... We had not seen much of each other for a while, but you were and always will be in my heart..
David Gilchrist
April 27, 2011
I worked with Joesph for about 7 years with Casto Travel - he being in Rapid City and myself in San Jose. We shared wonderful memories during my visits to Rapid City and his to San Francisco. He always put on a good show to all with a smile. I'm sure he's entertaining all above us now along with "Lady" in his arms. You are in our hearts forever. Say hi to our friend Brian when you see him.
Nancy Whitton-Volmer
April 27, 2011
May Mercedes Dance and Sing in Heaven, with her beautiful Lady by herside.. Joseph, rest in peace knowing that you always lived your life to the fullest..we love you..
Becky Kempe
April 27, 2011
I haven't seen or spoke to Joseph in years but back in the days of MPI we had a blast. I was saddedned to hear of his departure from our world. He surely was a one of a kind. He will live on in all or our fond memories. Prayers to his loved ones.
Ace Lundon
April 27, 2011
I always thought of Joseph with one word: PRECIOUS. And now, there will be a loss for the Rapid City community but a great gain for the community of those in Heaven. Our precious Joseph is home.
Jackie McElhaney
April 27, 2011
My heart goes out to those who loved Joseph. He was one of God's angels. What a wonderful kind man. I am so very lucky to have known him and his wonderful Lady! God Blessed his life and we shall always remember his joy. Prayers to all who loved him.
April 27, 2011
I knew Joseph only a little bit. He always made me laugh and feel welcome. He was always nice to me no matter how his day had gone. Heaven is a better place with Joseph there.
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