Obituary: Ron Kiekhaefer

I completed the last journey of my earthly life on February 23, 2024.

I was born on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1938 in Wayside, Wisconsin to Armin and Elsie (Jensen) Kiekhaefer. I attended Wayside Zion Lutheran School and Reedsville High School, graduating in 1956. Later that year, I met the love of my life, Beverly Fels from Shirley, and on June 4 1960, we were married.

I served my country in the Army in 1957-58 at Ft. Carson, CO, and again in 1961-62 during the Berlin Crisis, serving in the 32nd  Red Arrow Army Division 2/121 at Ft. Lewis WA. After my service, I followed in my dad’s footsteps and worked for over 46 years in the telecommunications field. I started working for The Wayside Telephone Co. in 1956, prior to serving my country, then worked for General Telephone from 1962 to 1966. I received my training by attending a 4-year electronics class at LTI in Two Rivers. In 1966, I returned to The Wayside Telephone Co. and was very instrumental in the conversion of that company to push-button dial. Our company then merged with PTI and later CenturyTel, and in 2002, I retired as their area supervisor. 

I was a member of the Wayside Fire Department, a DNR Hunter safety Instructor for 15 years, a member of the Wayside Rough Riders and a volunteer at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. I was a long-standing member of Wayside Zion Lutheran Church and the Way-Morr Lions Club, celebrating 50 years of membership in 2023. In 1966, I started playing guitar at various clubs with an old friend Wayne Falck, and more recently with many local musicians, providing entertainment for senior gatherings throughout the area. While living at Bellevue Senior Living, I had the opportunity to entertain many new friends with my singing and guitar playing. 

Our marriage was blessed with 5 children, and we were also honored to be foster parents to over 30 children.

I am survived by my son Russ (Tracy) Kiekhaefer (Kingman AZ), daughters Sue (Al) Kulich (Plover WI), Kay (Leo) Peck (Napa CA) and Kate Kiekhaefer (Zaachila, Oaxaca, Mexico). I am also survived by my grandchildren Becca, Kate and Ally Kiekhaefer; Emily (Jordan) Latz, and Caleb Kulich; Casey and Curtis Peck; Acalli and Illeana del Angel Kiekhaefer, and great grandchildren Kennedy and Milo Latz.

I am survived by two sisters, Carol (Gary) Matuszak of De Pere, and Dianne Opper (Reedsville), former co-worker Darrell Suchomel, also my current friend Ann O’Hearn.

I was preceded in death by my wonderful wife Beverly, my parents Armin and Elsie Kiekhaefer, my father and mother-in-law Lee and Adeline Fels, my daughter Nancy and brothers-in-law Robert Opper, Bruce Fels, and Danny Fels.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM Friday, March 1, 2024. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 2nd, 9:00AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside 8378 County Road W, Greenleaf, until time of service at 11:00AM with Pastor Kyle Wangelin officiating.

I would like to thank the residents and staff at Bellevue Senior Living for making this last year full of joy and friendship, with special thanks to my favorites Dawn and Carly.

Parting Poem

Dear friends please think as time goes by

That as you are so once was I

As I am someday you’ll be

Prepare therefore to follow me.

Ron