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John Kiefer

1932 - 2021

John Kiefer obituary, 1932-2021, Lawrence, KS

BORN

1932

DIED

2021

John Kiefer Obituary

John Joseph Kiefer passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his home. John was born February 27, 1932 in Independence, Missouri, the son of Robert Joseph and Catherine (Smith) Kiefer. After graduating from De La Salle Military Academy in 1949, John entered the military and served in both the Missouri National Guard and the United States Army. Following his military service, he attended the University of Kansas. In 1957, he married Doris Jean Pratt and made Lawrence his permanent home.

John opened Kief's Record and Stereo Supply in 1959 and spent the next 54 years "bringing music to the people." He always attributed his many successful years in retail to the expertise and commitment of Kief's employees. He truly valued the store's many loyal patrons.

On April 14, 1978 John married Helen Brown. John is survived by Helen, his son, Michael, and daughter, Alison. Other survivors include daughter-in-law, Gail Kiefer and step daughters Heather Wingate (Steve) and Hilary Brown. John's grandchildren are Baylie Kiefer, John Robert Kiefer, Laughton Wingate, Addy Wingate and Nello Allegrucci. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Robert, and by his much-missed son, Rob.

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to LMH Health Foundation in support of Oncology Services or Douglas County Visiting Nurses Hospice in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kiefer

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2 Entries

Randy Michael Signor

November 14, 2024

I was one of if not his first customer. Bought my mother a Perry Como album as a gift. He turned me onto great music--that compilation of New Orleans roots music that he said paid for his 63 Gran Prix, the blues, sound track from Man With the Golden Arm, others.

Will Gray, Jr.

April 7, 2021

Very sorry for your loss. I have great memories of working with John while I was at The Kansas City Star. He was a class act!! Lawrence will never be the same!!

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Memorial Events
for John Kiefer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel

120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

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