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BORN
1956
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Craig Kiefer Obituary
LIMA — Craig Alan Kiefer, 64, passed away September 22, 2020, at 11:40 a.m. at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 7, 1956 in Lima to Ron Kiefer and Lois (Hilgefort) Kiefer. His father, Ron (Sue) Kiefer, survives in Wapakoneta, as does his mother, Lois (Ned) Dammeyer. On December 31, 1987, he married his best girl, Kit Johnston, who survives.
Also surviving are their daughter, Kearsi Kiefer (Mark, Jr.) Gordon of Elida; stepsons: Gavin Johnston of Marion and Nigel Johnston of Lima; a grandson, Isaiah Gordon, whom Grandpa absolutely adored. Isaiah was Grandpa's best buddy. A Gordon granddaughter is on her way. Also surviving and cherished by his siblings are: Chris (Julie Sumpter) Kiefer, Marci (Steve) McCullough, Nick (Ginger) Kiefer, Kerry (Angie Mox) Kiefer and Scott Kiefer all of Wapakoneta. Craig is also survived and greatly loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many friends. He had great love and compassion for the family pets, Benny (doggie), Sammy and Chloe (kitty cats).
Craig had a fulfilling professional engineering career at General Dynamics (JSMC), Lima. A lifetime dedicated union worker who proudly served as both president and vice president of Local 2147. He was a black belt and chief instructor in karate. He did God's works by contributing to the following charities: Nature Conservancy, St. Jose Indian School, Red Cloud Indian School, Ocean Conservancy, Salvation Army, Lima Food Bank, American Wild Rivers, National Wildlife Federation, St. Labre Indian School and many, many more.
Among it all, Craig spent time loving and cherishing his family. He was an exceptional, beloved warrior, rock of a man, and will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 4-8 p.m., at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Lima. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 at St. Gerard's Catholic Church, Lima. Due to COVID-19, masks are required in the funeral home and in church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CHP Homecare and Hospice, 3739 A Shawnee Road, Lima, OH 45806, or any of the charities listed in the previous paragraph.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Kiefer
Larry and Kris Donaldson
September 21, 2021
It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Craig passed. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to physically get together during the last months of his life, so the last conversations we had were by phone. Each time we talked, we spent almost three hours reminiscing about all the struggles we went through together at work representing the membership of UAW Local 2147. The conversations went that long because each time one of us talked, it reminded the other of another issue we dealt with and the hours flew by. That's what I remember most is the ease with which we could hold a conversation. We'll miss that forever. Rest In Peace, Craig.
Greg Gebolys
September 27, 2020
Keith was a great person. We would talk about the problems of the world and when we were done he made you feel good knowing he was trying to make the world a better place to live in for all of us. It would not surprise me when I get to heaven that he had all the Angels organized in a union and he was the President. Please accept my condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry L. Kimmell
September 26, 2020
I worked with Craig for many years. I admired his integrity and his sense of the greater good. He will be missed.
Cas Anez
September 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry and Kris Donaldson
September 26, 2020
Craig was a dedicated patriotic union man. His voice for labor and working people will be sorely missed in the chaotic world of today.
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Memorial Events
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Sep
29
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee1170 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805
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Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee1170 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805
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