Florence L. Kieffer

Florence L. Kieffer, 93, Wausau died after a short illness on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born September 30, 1923 in Stratford to the late Adolph and Bertha (Schiffer) Frank. After graduating from Stratford High School in 1942, Florence moved to Wausau where she became a secretary at the Vocational School in the old Horace Mann School downtown. That is where she met Gordon Kieffer. They were married at St. Mary's Rectory on May 25, 1946. He preceded her in death on October 11, 2016. Florence enjoyed a very long and active life. In the 1950's, she participated in many Stunt Night performances for St. Michael's Church. With her husband Gordy, they owned and operated the Pine Bar and Restaurant on North 6th Street for 46 years. She was a gracious hostess and greeted everyone. Her dessert tortes were a Friday night favorite. She was very involved with St. Michael's Church where she was one of two women on the building committee for the new church which was built in 1973. Florence and Gordy enjoyed a wide circle of friends and entertained often. After retirement, they traveled and spent their winters in Sun City and Lake Havasu, Arizona where they met many new friends. Known as "Grandma Tootie" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she loved spending time with them, attending dance recitals and walking in puddles. She crocheted blankets for each one in spite of very arthritic hands. Survivors include children Lynn (Dennis) Madl, Denton Tex., Bruce (Monica) Kieffer, Madison, Anne Kieffer, Wausau and James Kieffer; five grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Madl, Collin (Beth Stadtmueller) Kieffer, Patrick (Laura Denton) Madl, Kristin Madl, Haley (Neil) Simmons; seven great grandchildren, Keira & Liam Madl, Max Madl, Clara Kieffer, Lillian, Elizabeth & Allison Simmons; sister-in-law, Marge Gausewitz, nephew, Joseph (Cathy) Rohling, their daughter Patricia, and nieces, Patricia Mertens, JoAnn Miller along with many other nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews on the Frank side. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordy, seven brothers, Adolph, George, Lloyd, Donnie, Harold, Ralph and Roger Frank. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wed. May 31, 2017 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Wed. from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. . Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family wishes to thank Linda and Kathy Fosick at Cedar Creek Manor for the wonderful care given to our Mom. She especially appreciated her weekly Bloody Mary's. The traditional holiday meals were greatly appreciated by the extended family as well. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, Monk Botanical Gardens or Newman Catholic High School.