Roger Kiekhaefer, 85, of Falls City, NE, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2021. He was born January 25, 1936 in Cole Camp, MO to Paul and Lorena (Fenster) Kiekhaefer.
Roger Kiekhaefer, 85, of Falls City, NE, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2021. He was born January 25, 1936 in Cole Camp, MO to Paul and Lorena (Fenster) Kiekhaefer.
Roger was raised in Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School in 1954. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha before enlisting in the United States Navy. Following his naval career, he continued his education at Peru State College. A semester shy of graduation, his father passed away and he left college and came home to run the family business, Western Auto. The store later became True Value Hardware. In addition to the hardware store, he owned and operated several businesses throughout the years which included: apartment rentals, laundromats, Little Duffer and Sonic. Roger could often be found doing odd jobs and general maintenance around town for others. He served on the City Council and was instrumental in building Grandview Park. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and held many positions on the church council, Lions Club, Rulo Boat Club, Falls City Chamber, and served on the downtown modernization committee. These positions reflected his pride and love for Falls City and all the downtown family businesses. His tireless work ethic and generosity through the years earned him the DSA (Distinguished Service Award).
As a young bachelor, Roger enjoyed his numerous Thunderbirds (T-birds) and spent many hours boating with friends on the Missouri River. On May 26, 1968 his bachelor years ended when he was united in marriage to Patty Hoban. He and Patty together raised 5 children. As his family, expanded into grandchildren, Roger made a decision he said he never regretted. He sold his prized T-Bird and decided to purchase a Pontoon boat for everyone to enjoy. He always said there was little practicality in owning a fancy car just for himself and wanted a boat his kids and grandkids could all enjoy together. He was never happier than when his family was all gathered around the kitchen table or the boat dock at the Lake of the Ozarks. His many jobs and businesses over the years allowed him to both work and socialize with countless friends and fellow business owners. Many stories were shared over all those years and often turned into somewhat long-winded stories we all lovingly endured.
Roger is survived by his wife, Patty, of Falls City, children, Angie Distefano and her husband Rick of Bennington, NE, Julie Froeschl and her husband Adam of Falls City, Katie Hall and her husband Terry of Kansas City, MO, Beth Casey and her husband Joe of Auburn, NE, Paul and his wife Darcy of Falls City, sister, Linda Watzke and her husband Garry of Marble Head, MA, grandchildren, Zach Distefano, Max, Jake and Rob Froeschl, Avery, Mason and Sydney Hall, Landon, Brynn, Lauren and Erin Casey and Rory Kiekhaefer. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donn, Ted and Dennis and daughter Teresa in infancy.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Christ Lutheran Church. Reverend Daniel Gifford will be officiating. Masks are encouraged. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.
The service will be livestreamed on Dorr and Clark Funeral Home’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/dorrandclarkfuneralhome
For those concerned about the Covid pandemic, the service will be broadcast on 88.7 FM. You are invited to listen to the service in your cars near the church. All are welcome to join the procession to the cemetery following the service. Following the burial please join the family at 3423 Barada Street to celebrate Roger’s life.
Open visitation and viewing will begin at Dorr Funeral home on Monday afternoon until 7:00 PM and will continue through Tuesday until 8:00 PM. No viewing at the church.
