Obituary: Richard “Dick” Kiekhaefer

Richard “Dick” Kiekhaefer, age 82, of Reedsville, passed away on October 12, 2023 at St. Vincent hospital after a brief illness.

Dick was born on March 17, 1941 son of the late Verona (Treichel) and Walter Kiekhaefer. He was a graduate of Reedsville High School class of 1959. Dick married the love of his life, Karen Kohls, on September 28, 1963, and they were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in 2013.

Dick was a sentimental, selfless, and deeply faith-filled man who served his country in the United States Army Reserve and his church community, Zion Lutheran Wayside, as a reader, elder, choir member, and visiting team member. Dick was a core maker at the Brillion Iron Works for over 40 years and was able to enjoy 20 years of retirement. He also worked for Tisler Salvage delivering auto parts. Dick served his community by delivering Meals-On-Wheels in Manitowoc County. He was a Reedsville volunteer firefighter for 26 years and served as Assistant Chief. Dick was a founding member of the Reedsville Flames football program and was recently honored for his contributions.

Dick enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, boating, and supporting his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was lovingly nicknamed “Bumpa” by his grandchildren. He attended many sporting events for Reedsville High School, Wisconsin Badgers, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers. He was a Packers season ticket holder and attended the Ice Bowl in 1967 and the Snow Bowl in 1985. Dick enjoyed golfing and scored a hole-in-one at Wander Springs Garden Course at the age of 71.

Dick is survived by his children: Carrie and Michael Wasmuth, Candice and Richard Bilotto, Chad and Valerie Kiekhaefer, and Cristin and Jeff Tisler. His grandchildren: Tracie and Jonathan Kusowski, Ty and Courtney Wasmuth, Cale and Carsyn Kiekhaefer, Jackson, Mason, special friend Alanna Phillip, and Delaney Tisler, Christopher and Kendra Bilotto, Andrea and Jeremy Westphal, Nicholas Bilotto and special friend Rachel Youngell, Rachel and Jackson Beelen, and Joanna Bilotto. His great-grandchildren: Easton, Ellis, and Emerson Wasmuth, Violet and Ruby Kusowski, Olivia and Noelle Bilotto, Madeline, Makensie, Gwenyth, and Noah Westphal, and Benjamin Beelen. Brothers and Sister-in-laws: Mel and Veryl Kiekhaefer, Paul Kiekhaefer, and Dennis and Jean Kiekhaefer. Sisters and Brother-in-laws: Christine and Kevin Van Laanen, and Kathy and Roy Krouse. Sister-in-law: Jolene Wohlford. Many nieces and nephews also survived.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Karen on July 6, 2017, his parents, in-laws Viola and Ellis Kohls, Brother-in-law William “Sam” Wohlford, and Sister-in-law Kathie Kiekhaefer.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside. Officiating will be Rev. Vern Heim. Military Honors will be accorded by the VFW Post 1032 of Reedsville. Entombment will be at Knollwood Mausoleum.

Friends may call at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Zion Lutheran Church Wayside in Dick’s name.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Reedsville & Brillion are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

We know his reunion with his wife, our mother, was glorious in heaven. She was waiting for him on the far side banks of Jordan! When she saw him, she rose up and shouted, and reached for his hand.

Love Always.