Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Kiefer Obituary
John Kiefer, 70, of Tampa Fla., died March 14, 2008 at home. He moved from Allentown to Tampa Florida in 1989. He was a Navy and Air Force Veteran. Survivors: His loving wife of 46 years, Barbara; son, John Kiefer Jr. of Port Richey, Fla.; daughters, Michelle, wife of Roger Grube of Palm Harbor, Fla., Lori, wife of Jeff Bruce of Tarpon Springs Fla.; sisters, Anna Pearson of Holiday, Fla., and Virginia Hendershot of Pen Argyl; grandsons, Christopher Grube and Hunter Bruce of Florida; mother, Helen Metzgar of Fla. He was preceded in death by son Mark John Kiefer. Services: Were held in Florida on March 19, 2008. Arrangements by Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs Fla. 727-942-0515
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kiefer
Sponsored by Your loving family.
January 20, 2010
dear dad, HAPPY bIRTHDAY. lOVE mICHELLE
michelle grube
October 1, 2008
Well Dad, it's been almost 7 months since you left us. We still miss you so much. Today would have been Mom's first day of retirement, but she decided not to. There is no reason for her now since your gone. But I know she was sad yesterday , she misses you very much. I thought now would be the right time to put in here what Mom gave me a few months back. Here it is.. You never said I am leaving, You never said good-bye, You were gone before I knew it , And only God knows why, In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, In our hearts you hold a place no one else can ever fill. Love Mom xoxoxox
Ann Kresley (Hessinger)
July 8, 2008
My Dearest Jackie, there is a time to laugh, a time to cry, many times to remember the one who went and died, but as time passes never forget, the memories you shared that you'll never regret. Love You Always,
I Miss You, My Johnny 0.
AVHK
Im so saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. I just found out July 5th at a picnic form Dan - John i had no idea, and its been months no one told me and I missed it in the paper, so sorry. It's been so long since i talked to you last.
Its hard to find the right words but that ill never forget all of the fun times with your Dad and Mom on Washington St, Tilghman St, Bangor, Pen Argyl and Camping. What fun times, Always making us laugh then there were the serious (not so fun times at all) when he certainly showed his strength as the world seemed like it was crashing down around everyone, how strong he was. He did all he could to keep you all together, Soldier Boy, He was always so kind to me. Whether we were just friends, boyfriend & girlfriend, you being like my older brother. Too bad your parents weren't here when we were engaged, what fun it was, most of the time. Life was very involved at those times and I know it took such a toll on everyone, but, now look. Im sure Mark was there opening his arms so wide to welcome your Dad into those Big Golden Gates.
May he rest in peace now, and continue to watch over you, your Mom, Michelle, Lori, and the rest of your family as im sure he will.
He was so proud of you when you were in the Army Jackie. It'll be okay, eventually. I'd love to talk to you and see how you're doing. Please call me- forever i'll love you like we always said, Your Annie/ Best to your Mom, take care of her she was always the strength behind the rock. Mrs. K, my deepest sympathy, may time help you heal. I'm sure your kids as you've always been there for them.
Rip Mr. K and tell Mark the Blues & Chicks miss him.
Michelle Grube kiefer
June 14, 2008
Hi Dad, it's michelle again. Wow Dad you've been gone from us 3 months today. I don't know where the time went. I think of you everyday and night. You are always on my mind. Some people need more time than others some need alot more time than others. You always knew I was the sensitive one out of us. Well, tomorrow is Fathers Day and you won't be with us. It of course won't be the same. I always loved giving you your card and I enjoyed wathching you open it because you always were smilimg and you could tell you were excited to see what was in it. You will be in my thoughts especially tomorrow. So Happy Fathers Day!! We will all be with Mom tomorrow as well. I know you would have wanted us to. She misses you so much. I know you two were good buddies. She has her kids so don't worry. Well Christopher finally Graduated from high school I am so sorry you missed him. I know you were excited for him. You would be so proud of Chris, he's going off to UCF in August and no I'm not going in his suitcase like ya said haha, I love n miss you, Michelle xoxo
Michelle (Kiefer) Grube
May 2, 2008
Hi Dad, It's me again. I miss you so much. I just wish there would have been more time to say goodbye the right way, but I guess GOD does not think of those things sometimes. You are up there with Mark too. I guess GOD needed the both of you with him instead. I am very upset he took you as quickly as he did, however I would like to thank him because you did not suffer. I think of you every morning I wake up and it's that same terrible feeling knowing we will never see you again and that hurts bad. You are in my every thought all day no matter what I am doing. It breaks my heart when I see Mom and I know you are not with her anymore. I know you guys loved eachother so much in your 46 yrs of life together and that is very special to us kids. So I guess when I am with Mom you are with her too inside her heart FOREVER. You will always be in our minds and hearts forever. I love you Dad, I just hope you knew how much. Love your daughter Michelle xoxox always.
michelle grube
April 18, 2008
Hi Dad, It's Michelle again. I miss you so much. I feel like this is a big dream. I thought for sure you would have seen so many more things in your short life. I do say short because you were cheated 20 yrs. I thought you would have seen 90 yrs at least. I will look after Mom, I will make sure she is loved and cared for. Just like you would have wanted all of us to do. I wish I could have told you one more time that I loved you and I thank you very much for always being there and the best Dad ever. Roger n Chris send all their love n great memories we have all shared with you dad. We will never forget u ever. love US xoxoxo sleep well dad.
Jim Amici
April 13, 2008
Dear Kiefer Family:
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing at such an early age. It seems like yesterday when we would all 'shoot the breeze' and solve all the world's problems at Miller's Garage. My sympathy to you all.
Michelle grube ( Kiefer)
April 8, 2008
Hi Dad, It's been 3 weeks. I still can not get over the fact you are not gonna call me. The pain I feel and the sleepless nights I have had,are too overwhelming for me. I think of you almost every minute of the day and night. I wish I could hear your voice 1 more time, but I can't. I remember all the good times I have had as a child and grown up with you and Mom. They are excellent memories and I would not change anything. Mom is doing OK, Dad I love you guys even more and forever. Love Michelle xoxoxo
Chris Grube
April 1, 2008
Pappy, it has been a little over two weeks now since that horrible night. It hasn't been easy for everyone to adjust...not a day goes by where we don't think about you and your crazy ways haha. I remember so many stories you told me that I used to just shake my head and go "Wow, I can't believe he just said that." You were always straight forward with people, and you never tried to put on a facade, and I appreciate that. You were who you were, and you didn't care what people thought! I hope one day our paths will cross somehow.
Miss you a lot, Chris.
Michelle Grube,( Kiefer)
March 31, 2008
Hi Dad, Mom wanted me to put this in here for you. It is the one she thought best fit our family. Dad, we all love and miss you terribly. So here it is. May you always walk in sunshine and God's love around you flow, for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you the day God called you home. A million times we've needed you, a million times we've cried. If love could only have saved you, you never would have died. We have read this over and over and it makes you wonder, why you Daddy? Love Michelle. Mom wanted me to do this for her and she misses you so bad. Your family always. xoxox
Tracy O'Hearn Bretz
March 29, 2008
Dear Kiefer family, I am very sad to hear about the loss of your husband Barbara and your father Jackie, Michele and Lori. You were always a very close family and I am sure the kids will all help you through these hard times Barbara. I have always wondered how you all are, I am sorry this had to be the way to say hello to all of you. I still have not gotton over the loss of Mark. Your father was a very out going and fun guy to be around. He always stuck up for his family and children. I know my brother Todd and Mark got into a lot of trouble together and John was always there by their side. I wish you all a good life. Love, Tracy O'Hearn Bretz
Jeffrey Bruce
March 28, 2008
Well Jack, here we are. You are beginning a new journey forward and leaving behind all those who loved and cared for you. But are you really leaving, I think not. Over the past 2 weeks I have heard more wonderful stories and outpourings of emotion than ever before. Everyone grieves differently, some loudly, some quietly, there is no right or wrong way. What is important is that you continue to survive in both our memories and our hearts. I am sure you are looking down proudly as your family has come together to deal with this tragic time. And when you look down on me, what do I hope that you see? Someone who loved and respected you. We did not always agree, but we always had a good time doing whatever it was we were doing. The days in Atlantic City losing money and then watching you hit seven jackpots in a row, the days out in the boat watching you catch fish and listening to your fatherly advice, the few drives we had in the sports car, our Amazon Lady, our trip to Daytona and of course mine and Lori's wedding. The list is too long to fully note here but rest assured those are the thoughts and feelings I have had lately and I know you can sense that. I may not have been born into your family, but you welcomed me with open arms and a dented car. I lost an opinionated friend, a caring Grandfather and a loving Father 2 weeks ago and I will miss you. There is no hiding from you now as you can see directly into all our hearts. I will honor my promise to you and look after your daughter and grandson until the day I join you once again on the seas of life...
Lori Bruce/Kiefer
March 26, 2008
John Kiefer better known as Jack,Daddy,Pappi,Captain Jack and Jackpoo. For all who met my father he was a man of many words, he never met a stranger, he either new you from the family, friend, town, city, your boat,the fish you caught, the bar etc... It was always nice for the stranger he met, because at this point you're just talking, guess what? now he knows you. He was a great, exciting, caring, loving and different Father. He let me learn myself about life and its good and bad. He would say to me, well I know you do not want to hear this but... I could of told you that. It was just my Father's sense of humor with raising us kids. He never followed a parent book, he did things as he felt for each of his children. We all new one thing, we were always loved and worried about at many times. Cared for threw out our lives as Jack and Barbara Kiefers' kids. I was sitting here thinking real hard about his life and as you talk to people about your family and parents they say to you, what does your Father or Mother do for a living. Well...I now change my reply, now I tell them my Mom is a hardworking mom and Nurse, and now I tell them my Dad was a hard working parent to keep his family together. That it self was a full-time job. He was a good Father. He taught me more then I know about life. I will never forget...I will use some of these things for the up bringing of my son. God will rest you now Daddy Sleep, Sleep and Sleep because Daddy you never did much of that, because you once told me it's for the dead and I'm not dead yet...So sleep.... we love you!!!!! your family.
ginny & john hendershot
March 25, 2008
Dear brother. I miss you so much,and having you call every day.Wish I could have you back with me. Love you always and always will see you some day. Your sister ginny and your brother in law john.
Connie Tittle
March 25, 2008
uncle jack I am going to miss you. and think of you often.
Stacey Kunsman(Kingcaid)
March 24, 2008
Michele, Lori and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the great memories of your dad live forever in your heart. I know you have many. My mom and dad send their condolences also.
Jayne Ann (Wright) Recker
March 24, 2008
Dear Kiefer family,
I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I along with the rest of my family will always remember the great times we all shared together. I'd like to think that right now Jack & Ed are in a fishing boat somewhere arguing about something!
DAN BUNDRA
March 23, 2008
DEAR KIEFER FAMILY-ALLENTOWN IS NOT THE SAME SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE-ALWAYS LIKED STOPPING BY AND SEEING MR.KIEFER,THE FISH TANKS ETC-WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER GREAT TIMES W/ MARK,YOU TOO ARMY BUDDY JOHN-GIVE ME A SHOUT-LOVE YA- DAN BUNDRA
Michelle Kiefer, Grube
March 23, 2008
Daddy, Happy Easter. I wish you could be with everyone today. I am having a hard time with you leaving us so suddenly. I will never forget that awful night when mom called. It is a terrible nightmare. I wish I could tell you so many things but, I can't. I will always love you and hold you close to my heart forever. Oh yeah, please don't worry about mom, we are taking excellent care of her. She misses you very very much. She loves you so much. I hope we can help her with her pain. I also know you are watching over us everyday. I just wish you could have been with us more on this earth, but that can't happen now. I love you very much Dad. I'll check back soon. Your daughter Michelle.
Lori Kiefer
March 21, 2008
Daddy I will miss you, as a family we will be o.k. do not worry. We have strength power and love. love your daughter Lori.
JIM & ANN SZOTT
March 19, 2008
WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE KIEFER FAMILY. JACK WILL BE MISSED BY MANY PEOPLE, AS HE HAD SO MANY FRIENDS. HE WILL BE ESPECIALLY MISED BY JIM, HIS FISHING BUDDY.
Gina Cangemi
March 19, 2008
I pray that God continues to heal your hurts from your loss and that he places the wonderful memories of your Dad in your heart. Know that he is at peace with our creator and walked through the gates of heaven.
HEATHER SANTIAGO
March 19, 2008
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES.
Charles Montana
March 18, 2008
To the Family, please remember that God is...anything you want Him to be. Thank Him for all of the good times you shared with your loved one. Keep his legacy going by teaching your children about him. To the dearly departed soldier, Thank you for serving. You helped to make this world a better place. God Bless!
Susan Reatherford
March 17, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in John Kiefer's name
Memorial Events
for John Kiefer
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Kiefer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
