Arthur Kieffer

Arthur Kieffer, 90, of New Marion passed away Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born near New Marion on October 21, 1923 the son of John and Margaret Kieffer. He was married to Eileen Gigerich on July 22, 1950 and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters Kathleen Kieffer of Indianapolis, Carol (Sam) Byard and Joan (John) Hanna both of Versailles; 3 grandchildren Craig C. Byard of Versailles, Kile Carter and his fiancé Kendra of Indianapolis, and Joel (Kelly) Carter of Osgood; 5 great-grandchildren; one brother Walter (June) Kieffer of Versailles, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Lucille Colley and Geneva Westmeier, and his brothers Paul, Martin, and David Kieffer. Mr. Kieffer was a 1942 graduate of New Marion High School and was a veteran of WWII. He served in the Army Air Force at the rank of Sergeant participating in campaigns and battles in the Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. He received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was discharged on October 12, 1945 and served with the Army Air Force Reserves until August 23, 1952. Mr. Kieffer was a former employee with the Ripley County Poor Farm. In 1987 he retired after 26 years with Reliance Electric in Madison. Arthur was a 90 year member of the St. Magdalene Catholic Church and was also a member of the Versailles American Legion. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 28 at 10am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Madison with Father Shaun Whittington and Father Frank Eckstein officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the St. Magdalene Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.