Beverly J. Kiefer, age 88, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Ellsworth Health Services in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
Beverly was born July 12, 1934, to Harry and Olga (Rice) Winger in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at South Rush River Lutheran Church in Beldenville, Wisconsin.
She grew up on the family farm in Martell Township and attended Ellsworth schools, graduating with the Class of 1952. She worked hard preparing meals for the hired hand, washed clothes, taught Sunday school, and tended to various duties to help her parents and siblings. On May 1, 1954, Beverly married the love of her life, Howard Kiefer. The two of them continued on the family tradition just down the road and built a life of farming and were extremely proud of their family farm. They raised their four boys: Scott, Wayne, Dennis, and Mark there. Their farm along the river was their pride and joy. The farm was a place that the entire family enjoyed, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many joyful memories were had down on the farm. Howard passed away in 2013 and was greatly missed by Beverly. They had celebrated 59 years of marriage together.
Beverly enjoyed anything that meant spending time on the farm and with her family. She would spend hours sitting on the porch and taking in the view. The barn made for a beautiful backdrop that she was extremely proud of. She took many trips to the barn to help feed the cows/calves or just sitting on a hay bale watching Howard and Wayne milk. She was the best at keeping track of all the cows by number. During the spring/summer months, Beverly would ride around on the 4-wheeler with Howard checking fences and the cows in the pasture. She loved gardening and mowing the grass around the farm. Later on in life, she loved watching her sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren with the hay and straw. Beverly always had treats ready for anyone who stopped by, especially her great grandchildren. She could talk for hours about the Rush River and all the fishermen that would visit. She loved the company and always had a smile on her face. She was one of a kind lady who will be greatly missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Howard; 3 brothers: Harold Winger and his wife Barb; Edward Winger; and Art Winger.
Survivors include her 4 sons: Scott (Mary) Kiefer, Wayne Kiefer, Dennis (Ann) Kiefer and Mark (Mary) Kiefer all of Spring Valley; 5 grandchildren: Corey (Sarah) Kiefer, Megan (Robb) DeBruyne, Riley Bowman; Lauren (Chase) McKahan; and Amy (Scott) Radke; 4 great grandchildren: Quinnlin Anderson, Mila and Zoey DeBruyne, and Riggs McKahan. 1 sister: Jeanette (Warren) Schade; sisters-in-law: Betty Winger and Audrey Kiefer along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation is Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 9-11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Beldenville. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s. Burial is in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, Beldenville, Wisconsin.
Honorary bearers are Beverly’s great grandchildren: Quinnlin Anderson, Mila and Zoey DeBruyne, and Riggs McKahan.
Pallbearers are Beverly’s grandchildren: Corey Kiefer, Megan DeBruyne, Lauren McKahan, Amy Radke, and Riley Bowman.
Keehr Funeral Home (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) handled arrangements.
