Sue Kiefer

Ella "Sue" Kiefer was born October 7th 1912, the daughter of the late Robert B. and Matie M. (Dern) Plisch, in Wausau. She was a lifelong resident of Wausau and member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. In 1931, she was united in marriage to Harold W. Kiefer. During their 70 years of marriage, they enjoyed many things together. Sue and Harold had the privilege of owning the first A&W Root Beer stand, in Wausau, on Merrill Avenue; where Sue and her mother-in-law would make the sandwiches.

Football and baseball were two of Harold and Sue's passions and they traveled to the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl together. They also enjoyed taking family trips across the country with their daughter, Janice. She was known in the neighborhood for being meticulous with her yard and regardless of the season, she was outside doing something. Mowing, raking, picking dandelions, and even shoveling this winter, were things that Sue enjoyed. In her younger years, she shared a vegetable garden with her sister, Helen, participated in the Eastern Star #123 and White Shrine, and enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead.

She was devoted to the Green Bay Packers, a Brett Favre fan, and could name football and baseball coaches past and present. She loved watching the cardinals and occasional Bald Eagle that would surround her house and had a fondness for dogs.

Sue lived her 99 years on this Earth to the fullest, never taking anything for granted. The way she lived her life was a reflection of how she was thankful for all her blessings and good health throughout the years.

On Friday, March 9th 2012, Ella "Sue" Vida Kiefer died in the Palliative Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Memories of Sue will live on in the hearts of her daughter, Janice (Ralph) Hanson; 2 grandsons, Craig (Nancy) Hanson and Jim (Michele) Hanson, all of Manitowish Waters; 2 great-grandchildren, Jesse and Danielle; sister-in-law, Eleanor Plisch, Wausau; neighbors of 50 years, Carol (Jerry) Feldbruegge; special great-granddaughter, Emma Feldbruegge; and many other family members and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and George; and 6 sisters, Helen, Grace, Nina, Irene, Edna, and Myrtle.

A celebration of Sue's life will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 14th, at the Helke Funeral Home. The Reverend Philip Schneider will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Family will receive guests Wednesday, at the funeral home, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Aspirus Palliative Care Unit. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.