Gary Kiefer

 

Gary Lee Kiefer, age 73, a dedicated farmer, and loving family man, passed away on December 27, 2023, in Shelby, MT, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 28, 1950, in Shelby, MT, Gary grew up in Oilmont, MT, where he developed a strong connection to the land that would shape his life’s journey.  After graduating from Sunburst High School in 1968, he pursued higher education at Northern Montana College but discovered his true passion lay in farming.  Gary left college and leased farmland (eventually buying several hundred acres), balancing his work at the refinery in Kevin, MT, with his dedication to agriculture.

Throughout his life, Gary cultivated his love and obsession for farming, turning it into a lifelong career.  After the refinery closure, the choice was easy, dedicating himself to his family and the farm.  Unfortunately, in May 2023, Gary was diagnosed with cancer, a battle he fought with the spirit of a warrior, dreaming of the day he could return to his beloved farm climbing into the cab of his tractor with is poodle Ellie Mae by his side, and continue the legacy he had built.  Despite his valiant efforts, Gary passed away with his wife of 53 years, Margene Kiefer, by his side.  He and Margene were married on June 6, 1970, and their enduring love served as the foundation of a strong and supportive family.

Gary is survived by his wife Margene; poodles Ellie Mae and Daisy Duke; three children: Cindy Bryson (Shane), Tracy Kiefer, and Kelly Worthington (Jim).  He will be lovingly remembered as Papa Gary by his seven grandchildren: Emma Newton (Hunter), Connor Bryson (Maddy), Molly Kiefer, Lindy Kiefer, Colby Hansen (Haley), Taylor Myers (Chantry), Trevor Worthington; and a great grandson Archie Hanson.  He also leaves behind his brothers Donald Sauby and Wallace (Bev) Sauby.  Gary is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Evelyn (Flesch) Kiefer.

“Lie down and rest your head, your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed. You always believed that the good Lord would provide, and He always had somehow.  Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.  Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.”

A celebration of Gary’s life will take place on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Shelby, MT, with burial immediately following at the Mountain View Cemetery.  A reception at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church will follow the burial.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gary’s name to the Shelby FFA (1001 Valley St., Shelby, MT 59474), as a tribute to Gary’s passion for farming; or the Prairie Oasis Animal Shelter (50 City Shop Road, Shelby, MT 59474) for his commitment to the community; or to a charity of your choice.  Gary’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  All arrangements are being handled by Asper Funeral Homes, Shelby, MT.