Ralph Kieffer
Ralph K. Kieffer, 81, passed away peacefully in his home in rural Tiffin surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.
He was born in Attica on March 1, 1938, to Charles and Mary Sula Kieffer. Ralph married the love of his life, Jean Taylor, on June 20, 1959. Ralph and Jean would have celebrated 60 years of beautiful matrimony in two weeks.
He is survived by Jean and their five children, Kathy (Bill) Kurtz of Berkey; Kristy (Micah) Rettig of Tiffin; Kip (Rhonda) Kieffer of Bloomville; Kurt (Song Richardson) Kieffer of Irvine, Calif.; Kelly (Matt) Schroder of Sylvania; 11 grandchildren, Nate and Ashley Kurtz; Grant (Brittany) Nolan and Makennah Rettig; Nikki, Courtney, Hannah and Jordan Kieffer; Molly and Will Schroder; and one great-grandson, Brayden Rettig.
Ralph was a graduate of Attica High School and Bowling Green State University. He served in the National Guard and was a beloved teacher in the Mohawk, Bloomville and Tiffin City School systems. Ralph was a coach of baseball, basketball and track, drove the school bus, managed the Bloomville Beeghly pool for many years and played with his friends in the Honey Creek Express. Ralph and Jean owned the Hickory Inn in Bloomville, where many remember his contagious spirit and laughter. He loved to play the keyboard and entertain at the restaurant, parties and horse races at the county fairs and in the Attica Haw.
Ralph was a member of the Bloomville Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award. He was also a past member of the Masonic Lodge and Zenobia Shrine.
Family was the most important part of Ralph’s life and he looked forward to the many family gatherings, life celebrations, holidays, birthdays, camp outs and cook offs.
A celebration of life for Ralph will be held Friday, June 14, at Bloomville Community Center from 4-7 p.m.. Bring your memories and stories to share of Ralph’s 81 years of life.
The Lindsey-Shook Funeral Home, Bloomville, is assisting the family with their arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridge Hospice or F.A.C.T. (Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lindseyoldsfh.com.