Jean Kieckhafer, (nee Van Wart), age 81, of West Bend, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Cedar Lake Health Care Center.
Mary Jean was born in Washington, D.C. on March 20, 1926, to the late Theron and Eulalia (nee Drew) Van Wart. Jean moved with her family to Janesville at a young age. She graduated from Janesville High School in 1944 and from Beloit College in 1948, with a B.A. Degree in English. Jean taught at Milton Union High School for one year and then was united in marriage to Allan Kieckhafer on August 6, 1949, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Janesville.
Jean was a charter member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, former member and past president of the West Bend Chapter of the National Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the founders and past president of Columns (Community and Alumni Scholarship Foundation), former regent and charter member of the Joseph Marest Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, member and former president of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, former member of the Red Cross Board, former board member of the United Way, and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Milwaukee.
She is survived by her husband, Allan C. Kieckhafer; four children, Drew (Margaret) Kieckhafer of Denver, CO, Douglas (Karen) Kieckhafer of West Bend, Barbara (Brock) Horner of Kansas City, MO, and Susan (Daniel) Patterson of Oconomowoc; eleven grandchildren, Erik and Amy Kieckhafer of Denver, CO, Benjamin Kieckhafer of Gilbert, AZ, Adam (Christin) Kieckhafer of West Bend, David Kieckhafer West Bend, Andrew Barth of Houston, TX, David Barth and Katherine Barth of Kansas City, MO, Thomas, Michael, and Charles Patterson of Oconomowoc; a brother, David (Kathleen) Van Wart of Salt Lake City, UT; a sister-in-law, Anne (Robert) Becker of West Bend; a Brother-in-law, Walter Schlaugat of Prairie du Chien; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial for Jean will be held on Friday December 7th at 12:00 (noon) at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (1025 S. 7th Ave.). Rev. Jeffrey Haines will be the Celebrant. Visitation will be Friday at the church only from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Private family burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to St. Frances Cabrini Endowment Fund, Columns, or the charity of your choice.