Donald Eugene Kieffer, 83, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, peacefully passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday March 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial beside his loving wife at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery following the service.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School General Fund.
Don was born on August 15, 1941, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, (on a farm south of the Wabash River) the son of Eugene Carl and Viola Lorena (Peter) Kieffer. Don attended high school at St. Henry’s Preparatory Seminary in Belleville, Illinois. He attended two years at St. Henry’s College also in Belleville. Don received a BA degree in philosophy from St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana in 1963. Don proudly served his country from 1964-1966 as a U.S. Army chaplain’s assistant in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, he furthered his education at Chicago Technical College with a BS degree in civil engineering.
He began working in engineering for Willett Hofmann and Associates in Joliet, Illinois, then to Rockford, Illinois and finally Dixon, Illinois for this firm where he earned his Professional Engineer’s License. His dad called him in 1978 asking him to return home to work for him at Kieffer Brothers Construction transitioning to Community Natural Gas where he served as President from March 1995 until February 2019 and then Chairman of the Board until his death.
On August 21, 1971, Don married Carol Ann McCaffrey in Dixon, Illinois at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. To this union five children were born: Karen (Gus) Ikonomopoulos of Lakeway, Texas, Ann (David) James of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Karl (Peggy) Kieffer of Highland Park, Illinois, Bradley (Allison) Kieffer of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Dean Kieffer of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Don was immensely proud of raising five children and seeing his eight grandchildren flourish.
Don enjoyed playing golf, Texas Hold ‘Em, Sudoku (hobby to keep his mind sharp), watching his favorite teams-Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois football and basketball, and socializing at Rounds. He enjoyed the annual family vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He traveled frequently to Germany to spend time with Karl’s family, exploring his roots and living the daily German life. His adventures took him to Italy, Southeast Asia, Europe, Hawaii, AYH trips and throughout the United States. Don’s greatest love was spending time with his family.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Elks. As a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as Grand Knight, Treasurer, and received the Diocesan Friendship Award.
In addition to his children, Don is survived by eight grandchildren, Levi James, Brianna (Jonas) Trimble, Jason (Anna) Ikonomopoulos, Lexi Ikonomopoulos, Jordan Brooks, Donovan, Connor and Ryan Kieffer; one greatgrandchild, Evangeline Ikonomopoulos; siblings, James (Marilyn) Kieffer, Charles (Mary Ruth) Kieffer, Daniel (Kathy) Kieffer, Linda (Phil) Keepes and Jeanne (Willy) Condol; brother-in law, Gary Lewis; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Carol of 45 years; and sisters, Patricia Kieffer and Rose Lewis.
Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kieffer family.
