Walter George Kiefer, the son of Bernhard and Frieda Kiefer, was born in Rahway, NJ, on January 1, 1937. He was raised in Carteret, NJ, and moved to Beaumont, in 1968. Walter lived in Beaumont for the rest of his life and passed away on December 5, 2014. He worked as a quality control lab foreman for Sinclair Koppers, Arco Polymers, and Quantum Chemical.
Walter met his beloved wife, Betty, over a bowl of pickles at Reo Diner in Woodbridge, NJ, in 1959. He proposed marriage on their third date, and they were married on October 1, 1960. Walter was a loving, kind and devoted husband, and together they celebrated fifty-four years of marriage earlier this year. He was also a loving father, raising sons Walter, David, Gary, and Michael. Walter adored his four grandchildren, Ashleigh, Seth, Rachel, and Tabitha.
He served as treasurer of Zion Lutheran in Carteret, NJ, and of Prince of Peace Lutheran in Beaumont, and also as President of Bethlehem Lutheran in Beaumont. In addition, he helped lead Cub Scout Pack 222 and Boy Scout Troop 222 in Beaumont.
His favorite pastimes were traveling with Betty and playing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fixing old Ford cars, building wooden furniture, and model trains. Whenever possible, he loved being the Certified Cookie Inspector, and we know that he is enjoying a sugar cookie in Heaven now!
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Betty; sons, Walter Kiefer and his wife, Kathleen, and their daughter, Rachel, of Houston; David Kiefer of Colmesneil; Gary Kiefer and his wife, Karen, and their children, Ashleigh and Seth, of Lumberton; and Michael Kiefer and his wife, Cyndy, and their daughter, Tabitha, of Beaumont; and sister, Helen Boehner of Carteret, NJ.
“Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my Daddy said is just between us,
You see Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, It’s a love without end, Amen.”
George Strait, Love Without End, Amen
A gathering of Mr. Kiefer’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2014, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Texas Food Bank, 3845 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
