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Merlin “Pete” Kiekhaefer

October 26, 1927 - January 7, 2016
Visitation
Location Not Available
Tuesday 1/12, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/13, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/13, 11:00 am

Merlin “Pete” Kiekhaefer, 88 years old, of Horicon, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Matthew’s of Horicon.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon, with the Rev. Mark Hasty officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 12th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Koepsell –Murray Funeral Home in Horicon, and also on Wednesday, January 13th from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service at church. Burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Horicon.Merlin was born to Berthold and Verna (Schoeffel) Kiekhaefer on October 26, 1927 in Theresa. In 1932 the family moved to the Kiekhaefer estate farm on Hwy 33 in the township of Oak Grove. Pete attended Warden Public School for eight years. At age 13 he quit school and worked as a hired hand on the 160 acre family farm. At age 22 he started working at John Deere Van Brunt and was there until retiring in 1985. Following retirement, Pete worked as a tour guide for John Deere for 17 years. He worked a total of 52 years at John Deere. Pete was united in marriage to Evelyn Schindel on April 11, 1947. He later married Florine Freeman on April 27, 1963. Pete was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Horicon. He served on the church council, as an usher, and he loved decorating the church Christmas tree. Pete was a member of the Rat Club and he was a volunteer at the Clearview Holiday meals. He enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers. Pete always had a smile on his face. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.Pete is survived by his children- William (Penny) Kiekhaefer of Horicon, Terrance (Michelle) Kiekhaefer of West Bend, Jeff (Jennie) Kohman of Beaver Dam, Mary (John) Hughes of Beaver Dam, and John Kiekhaefer of Horicon; his sister- Carol Jean (special friend Richie) McDowell of Juneau; his brother- Frank (Corinne) Kiekhaefer of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren- Shannon, Billye, Jennifer, Lori, Donna, Travis, Grant, Lauren, April, Amy, Arik, Tim, Amanda, Christopher, and Sean; his 14 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Pete is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Florine, 2 sons- Robert “Mayor Bob” and Charlie, his sisters- Shirley and Adeline.For the last 22 years Pete was a regular at the Rock River Tap in Horicon where he will be sadly missed by his friends. He was truly one of a kind.Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Horicon.The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Matthew’s of Horicon Senior Living, Chaplain James Mallman, and Generations Home Care and Hospice.

Visitation
Location Not Available
Tuesday 1/12, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/13, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/13, 11:00 am

Merlin “Pete” Kiekhaefer, 88 years old, of Horicon, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Matthew’s of Horicon.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon, with the Rev. Mark Hasty officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 12th from 4:00 – 6:00Continue Reading

See Condolences
Tammy (Schindel) McCormack left a message on January 12, 2016:

I know that my Grandpa (Wilbur Schindel) and Uncle Pete are certainly playing cards in heaven! My condolences to Bill, Penny, Shannon and Billye.

Caryn Seidel left a message on January 11, 2016:

I always remember Pete coming into Leroy Meats for lunch, I would give him a little extra in his lunch as I knew that was his main meal for the day. Seeing Pete brightened my day.

John and Carol Zuleger left a message on January 10, 2016:

Pete was such a sweet man and a friend to many. He always had a smile and a hello for all he met. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.

Nancy Schindel Jones left a message on January 10, 2016:

My Dear Uncle Pete, we are going to miss you. Remembering the compassionate person you were and the big cigar you use to smoke, always a smile on your face and a how are you... My condolences to all of your family members, you will be sadly missed by all.

Lisa M Schindel left a message on January 10, 2016:

Leave a condolence or a memory.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lisa M Schindel left a message on January 10, 2016:

You will be sadly missed Uncle Pete. You will always be remembered in my prayers!

Hayley Ettershank left a message on January 9, 2016:

Sending much love from all my family in Australia! I have very fond memories of sharing a beer with Grandpa Pete on my visit to the states and Horicon in 2003.. Much love to Bill and Penny, Billye,Dan,Shannon and all the family xx love Hayley and family!

Reggie and Vickie Stock left a message on January 9, 2016:

We send love to the family and friends. Uncle Pete was a great part of our lives in Washington. We all looked forward to his visits to the farm where he helped with cows and taught things to the grand babies. We loved his humor and the stories of about his life. We are truly lucky to have him as part of our family and we are sad he's gone. Our lives are truly better because of the love and laughter he shared with us. Heaven has an angel!

Jerry & Kay Schepp left a message on January 9, 2016:

You will all be on our minds and in our hearts during this sad time. Wish we could be there for all of you. We have lots of memories of the many good times we had together playing cards and lots of laughs. We stopped in November to see him (my kissing cousin) and he was happy to see us. Of course I got my big kiss. He will be missed by many. God bless all of you. You have our deepest sympathy.

Kris and David Hayn left a message on January 9, 2016:

We are sorry for your loss. we pray that you will find comfort that he is with Jesus. I am sure he will be playing cards with his family and friends who went before him. His smile was contagious and enjoyed by all who ever saw him. My love to all his family, may you find comfort and peace.

Sandy Morrow left a message on January 9, 2016:

Love you Uncle Pete. The whole family are in my prays.

Shannon gremminger left a message on January 9, 2016:

He was my favorite residents. I will miss him Deary.

Jean and Kieth Eddinger left a message on January 9, 2016:

Glad to of seen your dad on last trip to Wi.Sorry for your loss.

Garbo left a message on January 9, 2016:

Dear Kiekhaefer Family, I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I will always remember the good times we had at Bob's. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna Schindel Jegen left a message on January 9, 2016:

My condolences to all the Kiekhaefer's. So sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Pete. I am sure he will enjoy a good Sheepshead game with Dad (Wilbur Schindel) and all the other angels we miss.

Ron and Ann M left a message on January 9, 2016:

Pete you were one good uncle. Always liked coming to your house as a kid to play with John and Mary. Will miss you deeply Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Gina Schindel left a message on January 8, 2016:

You'll be missed Unkle Pete. Hugs to the Kiekhaefer family.

Dale W Schepp left a message on January 8, 2016:

My condolences to the family of "cousin Pete" as my Mom always fondly referred to him. I have many nice memories of planting potatoes at the farm and many card games at Uncle Bert's farm. Love, Dale Schepp and family

Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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