Jerome D. “Jerry” Kieffer, age 73, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Luther Manor, after a brave battle with Vascular Dementia, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Jerry’s life, funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 14, 2018, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 2001 Saint Joseph Street, with Rev. Thomas J. McDermott officiating. To celebrate Jerry’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m., until the time of services, at 12:00 noon, on Friday, December 14, 2018, at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Asbury. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born on October 11, 1945, in Bellevue, Iowa, son of Donald and Rosina (Kloft) Kieffer.

Jerry was born and raised in Bellevue, where he attended classes in a one room schoolhouse before going on to graduate from Marquette High School, Class of 1964. After school, Jerry honorably served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era, being stationed primarily in Italy. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kristene Ball, on November 24, 1971, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, and the two were blessed with 47 years together, and 3 adored children. Jerry was raised with an excellent work ethic, and would put his skills to good use with John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years, until his well earned retirement. Jerry was always a very active person and was well known for his love of bicycling, as well as hitting the slopes at Sundown any chance he could, where he spent several years as a ski instructor, helping others to master the sport he so loved. Jerry was a very generous person, and enjoyed volunteering his time and talents throughout the city of Dubuque for many years, most notably at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Mississippi River Museum. We are deeply saddened at losing our loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and will miss him more than words can say, but will forever cherish all of the memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory include

his loving wife,
Kristene “Kris” Kieffer, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Julie (Robert) Wagner, Savage, MN,
Lori Kieffer, Dubuque, IA
and Gary Kieffer, Davenport, IA;

his 3 grandchildren,
Gavin, Isaac and Charlotte Wagner;

and his siblings,
Mary Cain,
Jean (Steve) Owens,
Pat Kieffer,
Rita Kieffer,
Barb (Jack) Morio,
Deb Genz,
Betty (David) Martyn
and Connie Kieffer.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Wayne Kieffer.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their excellent care of Jerry and his entire family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com