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John Kiefer Obituary
JOHN FRANCIS KIEFER
John Francis Kiefer, of Clifton, VA, died suddenly Sunday, February 26, 2023. He was 59 years old.
John was big-hearted and generous to all and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Meaghan, and sons John Mitchell ("Mitch") and Brent Charles.
John was a beloved member of a large family, including his sister Colleen Kiefer Cress (Russ) and his brothers Chris Kiefer (Roxann), Tim Kiefer (Kim), and Patrick O'Connor (Ellen); his stepsisters, Cammy Carleton (Jim), Beth Baker (Tom), Stephanie Heintzleman (Andy), and Tracy Clark; his father-in-law Brian Shevlin (Joyce), mother-in-law Jerri Schneider Shevlin, brother-in-law Michael Shevlin (Virginia), sister-in-law Maureen Shevlin Gutierrez (Sonny). He was an adoring uncle to 24 nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Charles Kiefer and Margaret Liebrich Kiefer O'Connor; and his brother-in-law Matthew Shevlin.
John was born in Palatine, Illinois and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He formed lifelong friends, particularly at St. Edward Catholic School, Benedictine High School '82 and Virginia Military Institute '86. Upon graduating from VMI, he followed in his father's footsteps into the United States Navy. He traveled the world as a naval flight officer, and then embarked on a career in telecommunications, most recently with the FCC.
John was a devoted husband and father. He and Meaghan are most proud of their sons. John was an enthusiastic supporter of his boys and could always be found on the sidelines, in the stands, or behind the grill. John was a gatherer of people who cherished each relationship and demonstrated that always.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 4 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA. There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 3 at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kiefer
Sarah Starkey
March 4, 2023
I am shocked and saddened by the news of John´s passing. My sympathy goes out to Meaghan and the boys and to John´s big, marvelous extended family. John loved his family and friends with an open, whole heart. We all appeared better people in the light of his shining presence. He is godfather to my firstborn son and best childhood friend to the father of my four children. He was thoughtful, funny, encouraging, kind, and always saw the good in people. I remember telling Meaghan at their wedding how I looked forward to raising our children together, because I knew our children would benefit by knowing John and emulating his values. What a good man.
Mark Royster
March 4, 2023
Sorry for the loss of John. Thoughts and prayers go out to all the Kiefer/ O´Connor families. John will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Mary Ellen Stumpf
March 3, 2023
On behalf of the Stumpf family in Richmond, I am sending our condolences and good memories of John, his darling mother and stepfather, and great memories of St. Edwards, Catholic high schools and the South Bend connection, too. We are so very sorry. - Mary Ellen Stumpf
Christopher Layton
March 3, 2023
We ruled the playground with our pack of buddies during our formative parochial school days. Even though time and distance made us strangers, I always heard on the Catholic grapevine what an awesome human you were. So sad to never reconnect. Rest in eternal peace John!
Sharon Shiro
March 2, 2023
Shocked..saddened..he is with his parents and wonderful sweet grandparents. His smile was his trademark. He just loved to laugh. Part of my past..part of my life..never forgotten.
Gordon Irons
March 2, 2023
Our family is very saddened to hear of John's death. His big smile and warm and engaging personality will always be remembered. Our hearts go out to Meaghan, Mitch and Brent and your beautiful family! God bless and look after you all until you're reunited.
Brenda shiro
March 2, 2023
So sorry to hear of John's death.My whole family was shocked to hear the news.He was such a wonderful person and fun and had a big heart.God bless all of his family at this time.
Anne M Shiro
March 2, 2023
I am sorry to hear about John. Fond memories of him growing up.
Chuck May
March 2, 2023
We were saddened to learn of John´s death. I was proud to have coached John and his brothers in baseball and basketball. John was a fine young man like his brothers. His smile always comes to mind when thinking of him.
RIP John.
Roxann Kiefer
March 2, 2023
A loving brother in law.. Always had a smile and was bigger then life when he entered a room! Godbless him! Roxann
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