James R. Kiekhoefer, 81, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, November 29th, 2008, at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie. Born on January 8, 1927, in Kenosha, he was the son of the late William and Sarah (Totts) Kiekhoefer. He was educated in the schools of Union Grove, WI, and moved to Kenosha in 1956 where he has resided since. He served in the Unites States Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 16, 1956, he married Lorraine Nickel in Union Grove. He was employed with American Motors Corporation for over 30 years, until his retirement in 1976. James spent some time as a commercial fisherman. Besides fishing, he also enjoyed smoking fish, hunting, gardening, building utility trailers, working in his garage, and fixing things. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lorraine of Kenosha; a son, J. Roger "Junior" Kiekhoefer of Kenosha; a daughter, Ver-Joy (John) Gruss of Kenosha; two sisters, Joyce Krecker of Kenosha and Sally (Henry) Voorhees of Carson City, NV; and two grandsons, Jacob and Adam Gruss. He was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Dwyer. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Thursday at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance or Goodfellows would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit James’ Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anonymous
May God Bless!
Ray and Konni Harbach
December 10, 2008
Mrs. K and family;We were stunned to hear of Jim's passing. He was a memorable character of the first order. With all the talk of the auto business troubles it reminded me of a winter many years ago when the snow was high and the driveway plugged when Jim would let me catch a ride in sub zero weather to the motors. He was a stickler about being on time so I had to hustle my buns across the field in the early morning darkness so he wouldn't be late. Jim was very accomodating and this was just one example.We have a lot of good memories of Jim. He'll be missed.Ray and Konni Harbach
Al (Freddy)Espinosa
December 8, 2008
Lorraine, JImmy, Joy, John and boys-I miss Jim already. I took Frank to a Doctor's appointment this morning and we were remembering Jim at breakfast. This past Saturday some of the guys got together at my house to watch the De La Joya fight. Frank, Terry, Dick and I made a toast and had a drink in his honor. I'll especially miss hanging out and horsing around with Jim in his garage. We'll probably see you guys around town once in awhile; and remember Jim still owes me ($10)! Freddy
Marge Mellor-Knepshield
December 4, 2008
Dear Lorraine,Joy and Jr. It is hard to imagine the world without Jim. He was the best neighbor anyone could ever hope for. He will be missed.....we will always keep him and you in our prayers.....Marge and Tom Knepshield
Gary and Arlene Nau
December 4, 2008
JR,Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gary and Arlene Nau
Glenda and Drew Short
December 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. Kiek, Joy and Jim,Mom called me today and let me know of Mr. Kiek's passing. So sad. I still have lots of memories of living next door to you all for many years. Great times playing cards and spending the Holidays together. Well at least he's now up in Heaven with my dad..probably fishing. I'll say a prayer for all of you tonight.Take care and send me an email once and awhile. Love Glenda (Mellor) Short
Snap On Bill
December 3, 2008
Junior I was looking at the paper online and noticed that your Dad passed away. I hope everything will go better for you in the upcoming year. Just to let you know I have not forgotten all the friends I left behind when I moved to Mississippi. Tell everyone I said hellow. Snap On Bill
Sue Jones
December 2, 2008
I met Jim through my brother-in-law Frank E., when he visited Mississippi with him. He seemed like a very nice, caring person. I know that Frank will miss his friend. I am sorry for your loss.Sue Jones
Joe & Mary Nelson
December 2, 2008
Dear Lorraine, Joy and Family,Joe and I were very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
john jones jr
December 2, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to the family of my dear old friend, May God be with you during your hour of need.
Tony and Donna Pontillo
December 2, 2008
JR and family, We are deeply sad for your loss, especially at this time of year. We will be out of town Thurs. and Friday but are sending a donation to Hospice House in memory of your father. Tony and Donna Pontillo
Chuck & Sue Funderburk
December 2, 2008
JR sorry for your loss. I don't remember meeting your dad, but I wish that I had. I could of told him some good stories. Chuck