William D. “Bill” Kieffer, of Auburndale, entered into Eternal Life on June 7, 2025 at the age of 86 years. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and under the gentle care of Heartland Hospice.
Bill was born on November 6,1938 in Auburndale WI to James H. and Rachel (Corey) Kieffer. He was a devoted husband, loving dad, cherished grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Bill attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Auburndale High School in 1956. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Diego and Honolulu aboard the U.S.S. Finch as a machinist. Upon his return from military service, he married his best friend for life, Margaret (Margie) Worzella, in 1961 at St. Kilian’s Catholic Church in Blenker. They were approaching 64 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure and raised seven children: Shelly, Mitch, Steven, Jude, John, Kim and Sara. Many family memories were made during summers at the cabin on Trump Lake and the family learned a strong work ethic as they participated in the family business in various ways.
Bill entered the family school bus transportation business started by his father, Jim, and expanded the business to include motor coach transportation services during his tenure. In 1985, Bill’s son Mitch joined the family business. Bill was proud that the Kieffer family was able to own and manage the successful company for 80 years through three generations.
Making music and playing tennis were Bill’s passions. He learned to play piano, accordion, and trumpet as a youth. For thirty years, he played keyboards in local swing bands. Upon retirement, he continued to play music as a solo act for local events, family gatherings and at tennis club functions in Florida. Bill was passionate about playing tennis with his wife and other tennis buddies and was able to play tennis late into his life. Bill was the last living charter member of the Auburndale Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Auburndale Volunteer Fire Department, and a life-long and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and a member of the Holy Name Society and on the Finance Committee.
He valued a good day’s work, a superior bowl of ice cream, a penchant for shenanigans, had an infectious laugh, and always exhibited a wonderful spirit of endurance, even to death.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Margie; his children, Michele (Kenneth) Clark, Mitchell (Marjorie) Kieffer, Steven (Shelly) Kieffer, Judith (Jeff) Darrin, John (Jen) Kieffer, Kim (Dale) Durham, and Sara (Jake) Anderson. 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; His brothers, Donald Kieffer and Thomas Kieffer; His sister, Suzanne (Jerome) Pankratz, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, James H. and Rachel (Corey) Kieffer, his brother, James R. Kieffer; his grandson David Allen Kieffer, and his grandparents.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Auburndale. Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Auburndale Lions Club.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
