Joseph Kiefer

Joseph Michael Kiefer 94, longtime resident of Oak Park, IL and a more recent resident of Eden Vista Senior Living in Hoffman Estates, IL, died peacefully on Feb 15, 2025. Joe was born Feb 12, 1931 in Chicago, IL. He graduated from St. Justin Martyr and St. Rita HS on Chicago's southside and then served as a naval intelligence officer on the USS Roanoke. Joe received a BA from DePaul University, a MA from University of Chicago, and he completed doctoral coursework at the Univ of Notre Dame. Post-service Joe became an accomplished and enthusiastic educator working primarily in the Chicago area at Washburn Trade School. He was an informed and dedicated elected delegate to the Chicago Teachers Union and his incisive commentary about politics and society was appreciated by many. Joe was a voracious reader and his interests spanned a wide range of topics including geography, world civilizations, physics, poetry, philosophy and theology.



Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years JoAnn (nee Perry), by his cherished parents Frederick H. Kiefer and Helen (Curtin Malbeuf) Kiefer, his dear siblings Sr. Justine (Elizabeth) Kiefer OLVM, Fredrick J Kiefer and William Francis Kiefer; his sisters in law Marion C. (Young)Kiefer and Karen (Staples) Kiefer; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by his devoted children Helen Wachowiak of Lake in the Hills, IL, and William A. (Judy Curtis) Freberg of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Lana Casey, Erica Diehl, Hannah Wachowiak and two great-grandchildren; numerous adoring nieces, nephews, extended family members, colleagues and friends.



Private services were provided by the Illinois Cremation Society. Joe Kiefer's final resting place will be the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.