Michael Alfred "Mike" Kiffer

Michael Alfred "Mike" Kiffer obituary, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Michael Alfred "Mike" Kiffer

Michael Kiffer Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home - Lake Havasu on Jan. 5, 2024.

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Michael Alfred Kiffer, 68 of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, passed away in his sleep in Dolan Springs, Az. on December 26, 2023, after suffering several years with heart problems.
Mike was born on September 7, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Mary Kiffer, the second of six children. Mike was active in sports, such as baseball and basketball. He became an Eagle Scout after completing a community project. Mike graduated from Lake Havasu High School in 1973, the first graduating class to complete all four years. After graduation, Mike went on to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering earning his degree from Arizona State University in 1978. He began his career at General Electric in Phoenix, Arizona, where he installed the electrical system for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He then moved to Westinghouse, which eventually became Siemens, where he continued to work until he retired. Mike's work specialized in installation and services of major power equipment, including rebuilding infrastructures that were damaged in natural disasters, such as the Kauai hurricane Iniki which wiped out the power grid. His work took him to various parts of the United States, including Hawaii, Washington, California, Mississippi, and Utah. As a Field Engineer, he worked in major hospitals, casinos, technology firms and municipalities. His international work included a cruise ship in Canada and training in Germany.
When not working, Mike enjoyed vacationing with family, golf, watersports, teaching his nieces and nephews how to fish. He owned a houseboat timeshare in Lake Powell, where he invited family and friends to vacation every other year, making lasting memories for all. Mike called Tempe, Arizona his home from 1973 to 2016 before moving to Dolan Springs for his remaining retirement years.
Mike was predeceased by his father and mother, Walter, and Mary Kiffer (Dellorto) and grandparents Desire and Mary (Walter) Kiffer and Victor and Agnes (Flatley) Dellorto. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Delos Boulier IV and his nephew-in-law Anthony Dessalinas. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Walt Kiffer (Charlotte), David Kiffer, Geralyn Selby (Steve), Marlene Phipps (John), and Michelle Kiffer-Boulier. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Christopher Selby (daughter Aubree; April), Aaron Selby (Lovelle; Lindzee), Shauna Selby (Sean), Macall Alberto (Marcelo; Cade & Cora), April Klinger (Neil) Mallory Phipps, Bo Nicole Boulier, and James Phipps.
Mike was the epitome of kindness, patience, generosity, and all things good. Always willing to lend a helping hand for any family home project, even offering his home to family, friends, and strangers during housing transitions, and was always open to adventures with his favorite phrase, "We could do that."
Mike touched the lives of many people during his lifetime and his gentle spirit and infectious smile will be greatly missed. Rest in peace beloved brother and friend.
A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of the Lake on Monday, January 15th at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Vincents de Paul Food Bank in Dolan Springs would be greatly appreciated.
Address: St. Vincent de Paul; P.O. Box 213; Dolan Springs, Az. 86441
Arrangements were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.
Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael Kiffer's Guest Book

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January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier

January 7, 2024

Bob Petrie

January 6, 2024

Mike and I met in Havasu in 1975 while I was on leave in the Army between assignments between Oklahoma and Germany, through the mutual friendship of Kevin Shepardson, and then picked it up again when I returned to Arizona to start school at ASU in the fall of 1976. Mike was the kind of guy who would do anything for you, no questions asked. Mike was an electrical engineer for many years, so he could do home repairs, he knew car engines, he knew electricity, he knew boat motors, how to use power tools, he practically lived on the waters of Lake Havasu boating and water skiing and could do all sorts of tool-time type jobs. Mike fixed several of my cars while we were in college and later, we shared a few apartments in Tempe, we played a lot of basketball and golf (and tossed a few clubs) at Kenny Mac's and Dobson Ranch courses, he was on the Tempe Daily News softball team for a while (I remember when he pumped his fist going around the bases at Daley Park after knocking his only homer over the fence, the most excited I'd ever seen him.)

I owe Mike more than he ever will know, as he helped me through my divorce in the mid-90s, I was able to move into his house in Tempe and serve as his chief cook, bottle washer and valet. I'm not sure what I would have done otherwise. I was happy that he allowed me to stay on a minute's notice on a Monday night in the fall of 1996 when I was asked to leave, a la Felix Unger on the Odd Couple. "That request came from my soon to be ex-wife." Mike also served as my best man when I remarried in 2000 at Danforth Chapel on ASU. Mike put up dozens of friends and family at his home over the years, and in turn family stepped up big to help him in his last years. I think Mike got that sense of giving from his parents, Walter and Mary, who were the kind of people who welcomed everyone into their homes.

Mike took in everybody, family, friends, friends of family, friends of friends of family, friends of friends of friends. He had no limit to his generosity. I roomed with him during college, after college, before I was married and in between marriages. He hosted nieces and nephews and sisters and brothers-in-law. People Mike hardly knew could call his house in Tempe home. I think I had three tours of duty there. He was that giving of a guy. Mike traveled a lot of business, so he probably didn't mind someone was there watching the house. But those who enjoyed the fruits of Mike's generosity were glad that he was watching out for them, too.

There was always a driveway pickup basketball game going at the Kiffer hacienda on Blue Water Drive, Mike would be out there in bare feet, playing on calluses, and his dad would be running the picket fence or whatever play they had going.

Mike was quiet. Sometimes I had to do the talking for both of us, but Mike's humor and good came through just the same. A terrific human being who I will miss tremendously. So will everyone who ever got to know him. So glad that I got to meet Mike through Kevin and the circle of Havasu friends. Goodbye, Mike, to one of the good ones. Make it one of the great ones.

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Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home - Lake Havasu

21 Riviera Boulevard, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

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Sign Michael Kiffer's Guest Book

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January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2024

Michelle Kiffer-Boulier posted to the memorial.